Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC County Development

Committee

Meeting Minutes

WILLIAMS, Iqbal, Arroyo, Garcia, Linder & ex-officios Tepe (Transportation Chair), Lenert

(Forest Preserve President), Roth (County Vice Chair) and Pierog (County Chair)

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

10:30 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

Chairman Williams called the meeting to order at 10:32 AM.

Roll Call

Board Member Rick Williams

Board Member Alex Arroyo

Board Member Sonia Garcia

Board Member Mo Iqbal

PRESENT

Board Member Michael Linder

Ex-Officio (Forest Preserve President) Bill Lenert

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Bill Roth

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Ex-Officio (Transportation Chairman) Vern Tepe

ABSENT

Also present: Co. Bd. Member Allan*, Juby*, Kious*, Molina*, Penesis*; Dev. Dir.

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

Chief of Civil Frank & staff Coyle, Ford, Shepro; ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock & staff

Peters; KDOT Chief of Permitting Hohertz; and members of the press and public.

Remote Attendance Requests

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

Approval of Minutes: December 16, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Michael Linder

Public Comment

All public comments were held until the Zoning Petition discussion.

Monthly Financials

Monthly Finance 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 provided the Building and Zoning Report. He stated that the

Building and Zoning Division has continued to service building permit applicants and

develop the short-term rental licensing application. He reported that the Governor of

Illinois signed Public Act 104-0458 that affects the development of commercial solar

projects. He stated that he will work with the State's Attorney's Office (SAO) to see how

this will affect Kane County's current zoning ordinance. He explained that this new

statute includes clarification regarding zoning and building permit fees that are

acceptable. Additionally, it clarifies that counties can use consultants and charge the

time back to the petitioner. Given this clarification, VanKerkhoff explained that staff is

moving ahead to develop a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for consultants that can

assist with the heavy load of reviewing the zoning petitions and the building permit

application, building, and close-out of these types of projects.

Chairman Williams informed the Committee that this new statute and its impact on the

County's zoning ordinance will be spoken on during New Business.

Zoning Petitions

Petition # 4676 Petitioner: Tri-County Solar LLC

Dev. Building & Zoning Division Mgr. Zine introduced Zoning Petition 4676:

Tri-County Solar, LLC, which is owned by the Greenwood Sustainable

Infrastructure (GSI) Development Corporation. She stated that this petition has

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

development of a commercial solar energy facility located on approximately 41

acres of property west of Illinois Route 25, north of Stearns Road, in St. Charles

Township. She noted that the application requesting the Special Use was

received by the County on November 21, 2025. She provided several maps and

photographs depicting the location of the proposed solar facility. She stated that

this location already had a Special Use Permit due to it being a former landfill.

She stated that this parcel is categorized as Sustainable Urban Area on the

2040 Conceptual Land Use Strategy and as Proposed Open Space on the 2040

Lane Use Analysis. She explained that due to the location of the capped landfill,

the parcel would only allow conversion to a limited set of appropriate uses. She

stated that these sites present certain challenges for development given the

need for the venting systems and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

regulations. She noted that the Villages of Wayne, Bartlett, and South Elgin had

no objections to the Special Use Permit. Zine reviewed the proposed

commercial solar energy facility site plan. She stated that this site plan does

comply with all required minimum setbacks as per the zoning ordinance and

state statute. She reviewed the landscaping screening of the project. She stated

that the landscape screening would be located along Route 25 and on the south

end of the property. She shared the fence detail of the solar facility. Zine

reviewed the recommended stipulations of the Kane County Water Resources

Department, the Division of Transportation, and the South Elgin & Countryside

Fire District. She shared the results of the EcoCAT Report, NRI Report, United

States Fish & Wildlife Service Section 7 Consultation, United States Army Corps

of Engineers, Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, Illinois Department of

Agriculture, and the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office. She reviewed the

Kane County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) findings and the 11 recommended

stipulations for this proposed solar facility. She stated that the ZBA

recommended approval of Zoning Petition 4676 with the recommended

stipulations.

Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI) Project Development Associate,

James Carlin, stated he submitted the Special Use Permit for the proposed

commercial solar facility. He explained that this solar facility located at the

closed Tri-County Landfill. He stated that this may be the only petition that the

Committee hears that uses the phrase, "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle". He

introduced Ralph Meima, who would present background information on GSI

and the work done.

GSI Senior Development Manager, Ralph Meima, stated that GSI owns the

Tri-County, LLC, who was the special purpose entity who petitioned for this

project. He explained that GSI is a division of the Libra Group, based in New

York City, that is owned by a Greek family, the Logothetis's, who have roots in

the shipping industry. He stated that there are six different operating business

areas within the Libra Group: renewable energy, aerospace operations, maritime

operations, real estate, and hotels and hospitality. He explained that the Libra

Group is a longstanding, multi-generational family business that are a

conservative, long-term investor. He noted that the Libra Group operates in 50

countries. Meima spoke on GSI's sustainable infrastructure. He explained that

GSI is a developer and operator of solar, storage, wind, combined heat and

power, and other types of renewable energy technologies. He stated that GSI

has 388 mega-watts of installed capacity in the United States and Canada,

which corresponds to 17 different states and provinces. He noted that GSI has a

2.4 giga-watt pipeline. Meima explained that this would not be the first landfill

site that GSI has developed. They have developed landfills with operating solar

assets in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Florida. Meima explained that one of the

landfill sites located in Vermont is a seven mega-watt solar facility, which is

deemed a super fund site. He added that GSI works with contractors who bring

a certain expertise. He introduced representatives from Weston & Sampson and

BOE Engineering. He noted that BOE Engineering is GSI's general civil

engineering contractor and Weston & Sampson is the solid waste specialist.

Carlin provided a presentation on the Community Solar Project. He stated that

Tri-County Solar is a five mega-watt community solar project that is sited on a

closed landfill, which has been deemed ready by the EPA for solar reuse. He

noted that GSI has worked with specialized engineers to protect the integrity of

the closed landfill by ensuring no ground penetration is done. He shared the

project's timeline, which began in the spring 2023. He spoke on the community

outreach and stated that no opposition was received for this solar facility project.

Carlin spoke on the landfill and the reasons as to why a commercial solar facility

could be placed on it. He described the meaning of a brownfield. He explained

that brownfields are properties, like landfills, that currently have hazardous

substances, pollution, or contamination. These sites come with land use

restrictions and require ongoing remediation. Carlin explained that Tri-County

has gone through over 25 years of remediation at the landfill, and the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deemed it ready for solar reuse. He

stated that the EPA has determined that this site cannot be used for agricultural,

residential, commercial, or business development. He explained that the

development of the solar facility would preserve the farmland, instead of the

standard solar location, on agricultural lands. He stated that as a Superfund Site

this project is the only productive use of the site that is possible with returning it

back to its original condition. Additionally, this facility will allow the community to

have economic benefits without having visible panels. Carlin reviewed the

construction considerations for the proposed solar facility site. He stated that

GSI has completed thorough due diligence, making sure no construction activity

will impact the integrity of the landfill or environment. He reviewed the contents

of the development. He shared the Pollinator Friendly Habitat Plan and the

Blanding Turtle Conservation Plan. Carlin addressed questions and comments

from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

Waste Management Environmental Legacy Management Group District

Manager, Rod Stipe, stated that he is responsible for the operations and

maintenance at the Tri-County Landfill. He spoke on the mismanagement of the

site by previous owners and the work done by Waste Management since taking

it over. He explained that Waste Management was asked to take over

operations of the site due to several issues coming to head in the 1970s and

1980s. During the time that Waste Management was putting the site in working

order, the Superfund Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,

and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 amendments were being introduced. Due to

this, the Tri-County Landfill was scored to become a Superfund site. Stipe

explained that the owners of the site did not have the financial wherewithal to

take care of the newly imposed obligations. Therefore, Waste Management

became the responsible party to operate and manage the site. Stipe stated that

GSI first approached Waste Management in 2023 about the proposed solar

facility. He noted that Waste Management does believe this is a beneficial reuse

for the site. However, Waste Management did submit a detailed letter in

December 2023 with their listed concerns, and a response was received back in

January 2025. Stipe explained that he has had numerous conversations with

GSI representatives regarding the questions and concerns. He provided several

of the concerns and questions, such as ownership and responsibilities of the

site. He explained that the USEPA has communicated with GSI on numerous

occasions that a written agreement would need to be put in place where the

parties that implemented the remedy have an understanding on what will be

occurring at the site and who will be responsible. He stated that Waste

Management has been pushing for the written agreement for over a year, but

nothing has been drafted. Additionally, Waste Management was not made

aware of the information shared to the County pertaining to the solar facility and

just learned about this on Monday, January 12, 2026. Therefore, Waste

Management has not reviewed any of the submitted information. On Friday,

January 16, 2026, Waste Management sent a letter to GSI indicating that they

had issues with some of the language that was used within their reports. Stipe

stated that Waste Management of Illinois would like to have their answers

addressed and have the written agreement completed before this project moves

forward. He asked the Committee if a stipulation could be added to the petition

that states no building permits and/or construction permits would be issued until

the County is assured that a written agreement between the parties that satisfies

the requirements of the USEPA and the Illinois Environmental Covenant is

completed. Stipe and Meima addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Much discussion ensued.

Committee Member Arroyo motioned to amend this Zoning Petition to include a

stipulation that states no permits for this site would be issued until a written

agreement between all parties is satisfied, Garcia seconded. Motion carried

unanimously by roll call vote.

Further discussion ensued on the construction of the ballasted system.

County Board

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

County Board

Alex Arroyo

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Michael Linder

Rick Williams, Alex Arroyo, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, Michael

Linder, and Bill Lenert

AYE:

Vern Tepe, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Property Code Enforcement Division

Monthly Report

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

He stated that the Division has had a steady caseload through the winter

months. He noted that two monthly reports have been drafted and sent out via

email to all Committee Members. He explained that a change was made for the

monthly reports that now no longer needs to be extended out through the

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and can be sent out to constituents. Lastly,

Mall stated that Property Code Enforcement staff has been working on the

short-term rental documents and applications, and has been preparing for the

enforcement of it.

Planning & Special Projects

Monthly Report

Planning Division Mgr. Toth stated the monthly report was on file. No additional

report was made.

Approving Substantial Amendment to the Program Year 2024 Annual Action

Plan (Community Development Block Grant)

Dev. Asst. Dir. Dall introduced this resolution. He read the resolution aloud. He

explained that this is currently under the public comment period, which began on

January 8, 2026 with publication, and will conclude on February 6, 2026. Dall

and Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Much discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Alex Arroyo

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Rick Williams, Alex Arroyo, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, Michael

Linder, and Bill Lenert

AYE:

Vern Tepe, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Approving a Contract Extension with GMCI for the Continued Marketing of the

Fabulous Fox! National Water Trail

Planning Division Mgr. Toth introduced this resolution. He explained that this

resolution is for the second one-year contract extension. He noted that the

contract would allow one more one-year extension. He stated that Kane County

has worked with Gilmore Marketing Concepts, Inc. (GMCI) to promote the

National Fox Water Trail. He explained that this one-year contract extension is

not to exceed the amount of $100K from GMCI. Toth and Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff

addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Rick Williams, Alex Arroyo, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, Michael

Linder, and Bill Lenert

AYE:

Vern Tepe, and Corinne M. Pierog

ABSENT:

Subdivision

10.

Land/Cash Annual Report 2025

Environ. & Water Res. Dir. Wollnik provided the 2025 Land/Cash Annual Report.

She explained that there was one new subdivision that resulted in funds going to

Dundee Township. Additionally, there were three residential homes constructed.

These Land/Cash funds went to three different school districts, two park

districts, and the Kane County Forest Preserve. Lastly, there was one

single-family home that sought relief based on the discovery that the amount of

Land/Cash due, was less than what the parcel was paying in taxes, which the

Committee did grant. Wollnik requested that this report be placed on file.

11.

12.

Environmental Resources

None.

Water Resources

Authorizing Funding for the Village of Big Rock Route 30 Storm Sewer Project

Under the Cost-Share Drainage Program and Fee In Lieu of Detention Funding

Environ. & Water Res. Dir. Wollnik introduced this resolution. She explained that

in 1993, the previous director of the Environmental & Water Resources

Department completed a concept plan of the storm sewer in the Village of Big

Rock to resolve the major flooding issues. In 2022, a Department of Commerce

and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant was received. Wollnik stated that her

department worked with the Legislative Committee due to extensive permitting

delays that occurred as part of the project in order to get an extension of the

DCEO grant. The grant being awarded to the Village of Big Rock totals $1.9M.

Wollnik stated that this resolution authorizes funding for the Village of Big Rock

Route 30 Storm Sewer Project under the County's Cost-Share Drainage

Program and fee-in-lieu of detention funding. The amount from the Cost-Share

Drainage Program is $230K and the fee-in-lieu of detention is $100K.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Michael Linder

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Bill Lenert

Rick Williams, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, Michael Linder, and Bill

Lenert

AYE:

Vern Tepe, and Corinne M. Pierog

Alex Arroyo

ABSENT:

AWAY:

At the request of Chairman Williams, the Committee moved to agenda item 15:

Executive Session. The Committee obliged.

13.

New Business

Chairman Williams introduced the discussion on the potential changes to the County's

internal policies and code based on the changes to State law as it relates to solar

petitions and battery storage facilities. (Pierog arrived in-person at 12:05 p.m.) Effective

June 1, 2026, he explained that the State of Illinois has taken away a petitioner's ability

to go to the circuit court to appeal a decision denying a solar facility. Instead this will go

directly to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), which will be decided by an

administrative law judge.

Dev. Dir. VanKerkhoff spoke on the necessary changes needed to the County's

permitting process and fees to accommodate the new law. He stated that some of the

changes to the new statute clarifies the fees and expenses and how the County

handles them. He explained that the original statute in place refers to unreasonable

fees without any definition. Therefore, this new statute appears to have set more clear

standards. He spoke on the advantage for the County in changing the fee schedule to

clarify that the County could use consultants and charge back the expenses to the

petitioner, which has been highly recommended by staff. VanKerkhoff explained that

one change to be made is the zoning and building fee permit schedules to $5K per

mega-watt, as well as, compensate any assistance of staff in processing applications,

such as obtaining a consultant. He stated that a Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

would be submitted in order to obtain consultants to help the County on these types of

petitions. He noted that the state statute clearly provides for the County to charge this

expense to the petitioner and the project.

Williams explained that County staff does not have the manpower or time to review all

of the solar petitions being submitted. He stated that obtaining consultants would take

this workload off of staff and would have the petitioner bare the cost. The Committee

provided a consensus to have Development staff work with the State's Attorney's Office

on these proposed changes needed to the County Code.

Lastly, Williams explained that himself, County Board Member Gripe, Building and

Zoning Division Manager Zine, and others met to speak about the vegetation

standards. He stated that these are currently being worked on. He noted that these

changes will need to be passed as soon as possible, due to the new changes in law.

14.

15.

Reports Placed On File

RESULT:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Michael Linder

Alex Arroyo

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Executive Session

The Development Committee entered into Executive Session at 11:34 a.m. to discuss

the release of closed session minutes and pending litigation on a motion made by

Lenert, Linder seconded. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Rick Williams, Sonia Garcia, Mo Iqbal, Michael Linder, and Bill

Lenert

AYE:

Vern Tepe, and Corinne M. Pierog

Alex Arroyo

ABSENT:

AWAY:

Release of Closed Session Minutes

16.

Open Session

The Committee returned to Open Session at 12:04 p.m. on a motion made by Linder,

Arroyo seconded. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Michael Linder

Alex Arroyo

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Vote on Release of Closed Session Minutes

Committee Member Linder motioned to accept the recommendations of the State's

Attorney's Office (SAO) and adopt Exhibit A, Iqbal seconded. Motion carried

unanimously by roll call vote.