Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Meeting Minutes

BERMAN, Lenert, Juby, Lewis, Sanchez, Surges, Tepe & ex-officios Pierog (County Chair)

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

9:00 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

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

Board Member Dale Berman

Board Member Bill Lenert

Board Member Leslie Juby

Board Member Anita Lewis

Board Member Clifford Surges

Board Member Vern Tepe

PRESENT

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Board Member Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT

Also present: Co. Bd. members Allan*, Bates*, Daugherty*, Ford*, Gumz*, Kious*,

Molina*, Roth, Strathmann*; Treasurer Lauzen & staff Cain; Fin. Exec. Dir. Hopkinson

& staff Sarbaugh, Kietzman; Auditor Wegman; ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock & staff

Lasky*, Peters; County Clerk staff Pollock, Dugan; Environ. & Water Res. Dir. Wollnik;

KCHD staff Snowden*; KCAC Admin. Youngsteadt*; ASA Frank, Tabor, Ford, Shepro*;

KDOT staff Rickert*; PIO Intern Kertesz; and members of the press and public.

Roll Call

Remote Attendance Requests

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

Approval of Minutes: June 28, 2023

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Vern Tepe

Public Comment (Agenda Items)

Kane County Resident, Susan Sanders, shared her support on upgrading the voting

system. After listening to the Hart Intercivic Representative and Kane County's

Information Technologies Department (ITD) Executive Director, Roger Fahnestock, she

realized how crucial it is to replace the voting machines. The machines have not been

updated since 1984. Sanders spoke on the lack of technical support the old machines

have, and how the new machines would provide the County with the latest technology.

She reviewed the components of the new machines. Sanders recalled a previous

speaker's comments on having a shorter time period to vote. She spoke on behalf of

neighbors that would not be able to vote, if the voting window were closed earlier.

Kane County Certified Election Judge, Ellen Ljung, shared her support on updating the

Kane County voting machines. Before her training to become an election judge, she

was unaware of how complex and secure the voting process was. She commended all

those that were involved in the voting process. Ljung shared her experience during

election season. She spoke on the multiple checks and balances that are utilized

during the entire process. She stated that the old machines are in bad condition and

outdated. There is a crucial need to update the machines. Ljung stated that now is the

ideal time to update the machines and train all involved because there are no elections

happening. (Committee Member Lewis arrived in-person at 9:05 a.m.) Ljung explained

that the new machines would be ADA compliant, which will make is easier for disabled

or elderly personnel.

Batavia Resident and League of Woman Voters (LWV) of Central Kane County

Second Vice President, Patricia Lackman, stated she was commenting on Agenda Item

9M, regarding authorizing an agreement with Hart Intercivic for the upgrade of the Kane

County voting system, hardware, software, and related services and corresponding

budget adjustment. She explained that she is the Second Vice-Chair and long-time

Voter Service Chair of the LWV. She reviewed the leagues history. Lackman shared

her confidence and support of the Kane County Clerk's Office during election seasons.

She explained that LWV of the United States and Illinois have formulated position

statements on many bi-partisan consensus studies. Lackman spoke on the League's

pillars. One of the main pillars is Voting Rights and Election Processes. This pillar

stands to ensure the league members work to protect voting by mail, voter access,

voter registration, election security, and to standardize best practices and processes

across election authority. The LWV of Central Kane County will continue supporting the

Clerk's Office and believes in the integrity of the election process.

Geneva Resident and LWV of Central Kane County First Vice President, Llona Steele,

spoke on the proposed upgrades to the voting machines. She provided a brief history

of the continued support LWV has shown for Kane County and the voting process. She

reviewed an article published by the LWV of Illinois. Under the Election System Criteria

issue, it states that an election system should be resistant to fraud and forms of

political manipulation, easy to use and to administer. Steele believes the new voting

systems address all of these areas. She spoke on the fiscal responsibilities of the Kane

County Clerk's Office in all election processes. After using the same voting machines

for the last 18 years, it is prudent to replace them with new, secure and accessible

machines.

Kane County Resident, Ruth Kuzmanic, shared her support on replacing the voting

machines. Kane County has used the same machines since 2003. Kuzmanic stated it

is absurd to have voting machines this old. She believes that County Clerk

Cunningham deserves the County's support. She requested that the Committee vote

for Agenda item 9M to get new machines.

Kane County Resident, Mary Ann Nugent, explained that she is not apart of any

political organizations, but a concerned citizen. She stated that Kane County has used

the same voting machines since 2006, and that many people do not have cell phones

or cars that old. She noted that if something is broke and cannot be fixed, you replace

it. Recently explained at a previous Board meeting, current machines cannot be fixed

or replaced due to lack of parts in production. Nugent urged the Committee to support

the resolution.

Kane County Resident, Steve Bruesewitz, stated it is time to upgrade the voting

machines. Since 2006, there has been no legitimate complaints of fraud. Bruesewitz

noted that the County Clerk's Office will continue to benefit from their continued

relationship with Hart Intercivic. He agreed that the new machines' components and

security will be a great upgrade to all County constituents.

St. Charles Resident, Ed Marth shared his support to upgrade the voting machines. He

spoke on Agenda item 9R, regarding the Responsible Bidders Ordinance. Marth noted

that most things in life that need to be done, only need to be done once and correctly

with no cut corners. Kane County needs an ordinance in place to ensure a proper

vetting process. The County must make sure public work is being done correctly, which

in turn will save the County money. Marth shared his encouragement and support for

the ordinance.

Treasurer's Report (C. Lauzen)

Monthly Report

Treasurer Lauzen stated the monthly report was on file. He introduced Connie

Cain. Cain is the new Director of Financial Operations in the Treasurer's Office.

Lauzen spoke on Cain's professional credentials. He provided a graph depicting

the "Projected versus Promised versus Actual Performance Interest Earned".

The projected interest earned for fiscal year 2023 is $1.788M. The promised

amount is $3.788M and the actual performance of interest earned is projected to

be approximately $10M by the end of the year. Lauzen explained the interest

income for the longer term portion of reserves that is now in good hands with the

third-party investors. He spoke on Kane County's Weighted Average Demand

and Investment Yield. The next step is to look into working capital of cash

management. A systematic review will need to be done to ensure the accounts

demand is correct at the end of the year. Lauzen explained that on June 30,

2023, an excess amount of money was left in an account and the bank gained

more money than the County. Lauzen addressed questions and comments from

the Committee. Much discussion ensued. Lauzen reminded the Committee that

$1.8M was projected, $3.8M was promised, and now about a $1M a month is

being delivered through the performance of the Treasurer's Department.

Finance Director's Report (K. Hopkinson)

Monthly Finance Reports

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

mentioned at yesterday's Committee of the Whole meeting, the Local

Government Distributive Fund percentage of income tax will increase on August

1, 2023. Hopkinson spoke on the concerns shown for the amount distributed

over the last year from the Personal Property Replacement Tax (PPRT) and the

possible change in projections for the next year. Referencing a line graph, she

explained that the County's primary taxes. The State Sales Tax percentage of

the County's taxes has increased the greatest, due to inflation. Hopkinson noted

that the State may have overpaid the PPRT and this is being looked into to see

if it will be corrected this year.

Hopkinson provided graphs depicting the Kane County General Fund -

Personnel Services - Salaries and Benefits over the last eight years. She

explained that the actual expense amount has been lower than years past. She

noted that it will be difficult to compare the last few years due to the COVID

pandemic and the funds granted during that time period.

The Finance Department has been taking a look into the County's vacant

positions for the budget process. Hopkinson spoke on the current budget

process and the main responsibilities of the Finance department, all other

departments/elected official offices, and the County Board. During the beginning

of the budget process, the Finance Department has been helping other

departments enter their financial information into the financial software. Over the

next three weeks, all departments and elected official's offices will have their

financial information entered. After this is completed, the Finance Department

will be meeting with each department/office individually through August to go

over their budget. Afterwards, each department/office will be asked to present

their budgets to their respective standing committee. Once this is all completed,

the draft budget will be presented at the September Finance Committee

meeting. At the August Finance Committee meeting, members will need to make

a decision on whether to use the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or Property Tax

Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) for the budget. Hopkinson spoke on the audit

process. Currently, the process is behind schedule but should be completed by

the end of August. The Finance Department has notified the State about this.

Hopkinson shared her confidence in maintaining the County's Government

Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement Award even

with the delay.

Hopkinson shared the Finance Department's current operations. Staff will be

automating an aspect of processing personnel transactions in the Payroll

Department that affects how all departments work. This process should

eliminate triplicate financial forms. The Finance Department will be utilizing

modules within their financial software at no additional cost. She hopes to have

this accomplished within the next couple months. Additionally, they will be

looking into the County's auditing software to see how to better utilize it.

Hopkinson addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion

ensued.

Auditor's Report (P. Wegman)

Monthly Report

Auditor Wegman stated the monthly report was on file. No additional report was

made.

County Board Vice-Chair Tepe announced that the County is interested in

switching Procurement Card vendors. He spoke on the components and

benefits.

Approving June 2023 Claims Paid

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Clifford Surges

MOVER:

Anita Lewis

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

New Business

Authorizing Budget Notation for Approved ARPA Award Amounts (RES 23-272)

for Veterans’ Service Organizations Grant Program

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Anita Lewis

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Authorizing a Budget Adjustment for Sustainability Manager Salary for the

Department of Environmental & Water Resources

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Anita Lewis

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Authorizing a Budget Adjustment for the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office

Weed and Seed Program

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Clifford Surges

MOVER:

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Authorizing FY23 Budget Adjustment for AOIC Modernization Grant

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Anita Lewis

MOVER:

Vern Tepe

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Approving a Budget Adjustment for the Village of Big Rock DCEO Grant

Administration with the Office of Community Reinvestment

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Anita Lewis

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Authorizing the County to Contract with Humana Inc. to Provide the 2024

Healthcare Continuation Coverage for Medicare Eligible Retired and Disabled

Employees and Surviving Spouses

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Clifford Surges

MOVER:

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Authorizing a Contract for Kane County Wall Finishing and Painting Services

Committee Vice-Chair Lenert asked if this contract was $100K for two years.

Committee Member Surges stated that if the whole amount is needed, it is

available.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Anita Lewis

MOVER:

Leslie Juby

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Authorizing Contract Extension for Medical Services for the Juvenile Justice

Center

Committee Vice-Chair Lenert mentioned that this is the first increase to this

contract since 2020, even though the Consumer Price Index for hospitals and

related services increased to 3.8%.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Authorizing a Continuation of Contract with Paymentus Corporation

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Anita Lewis

MOVER:

Leslie Juby

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Authorizing Renewal of a Support Services Contract for the Homeless

Management Information System

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Anita Lewis

MOVER:

Leslie Juby

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Authorizing an Agreement with Hart Intercivic for the Upgrade of the Kane

County Voting System, Hardware, Software, and Related Services and

Corresponding Budget Adjustment

Committee Vice-Chair Lenert stated the $8.8M is for all new voting equipment.

He shared his support for this resolution. He asked if the funding was going to

be covered by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) or COVID funds. Fin. Exec.

Dir. Hopkinson explained that due to using some ARPA funds to cover payroll, a

savings has accumulated called the "COVID Payment Savings" account. These

funds will be used to cover the remaining cost of the new voting system.

Madam Chairman Pierog stated that the ARPA Committee will be doing

research into this to see if this could be reimbursed back to the County.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Kendall County for Juvenile

Detention Services

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Authorizing an Amendment to the Kane County Adult Justice Center’s Contract

with Aramark Correctional Services LLC to Provide Food Services at the Kane

County Juvenile Justice Center

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Bill Lenert

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Authorizing to Receive Grant Funding from Grant #21-203121 Construction of a

Multi-Use Facility at the Kane County Judicial Center Campus

Committee Member Surges asked if this was a straight or matching grant.

ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock stated this grant was applied for under the

direction of the previous Building Management Department Director when the

building was built. It was a reimbursement for some of the HVAC mechanical

systems. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

grant reimbursed based on receipts. This resolution is to close up the remainder

of the grant and have it deposited in the County's General Fund.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Vern Tepe

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Authorizing Funding for the State’s Attorney Collaborative Diversion Buildout at

the Kane County Branch Court Facility

Madam Chairman Pierog noted that a grant was received by the State's

Attorney's Office (SAO). She asked if this grant would be covering this expense

or would the County have to pay for this out of the General Fund. ITD/BLD Exec.

Dir. Fahnestock explained that the original programmed budget for this project

was around $370K, of which $256K was coming from grants, and approximately

$150K was to come from the County's General Fund Capital to build out the

space at the Kane Branch Court/Circuit Clerk St. Charles location. After the

subsequent bids of the work that had to be done to finish the Circuit Clerk's

Office, the project will cost $480K to finish. Fahnestock explained the layout of

the build out. With the added expensesl, approximately $200K will come from

the General Fund.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Anita Lewis

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Amending Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 3 of the Kane County Code to Establish

Responsible Bidder Requirements on Public Works Projects

Committee Vice-Chair Lenert stated he reviewed this resolution and is in

agreement with 95% of it. He shared his concerns on Item J within the

Ordinance. He explained that this clause could reduce the amount of businesses

that could apply for County projects. He would like the clause to state "preferred"

not "mandatory". Discussion ensued. Madam Chairman Pierog stated that an

apprenticeship training program is paid through the prevailing pay wage State

law. Therefore, it does not impact at all the ability for an individual to go to an

apprenticeship program. Further discussion ensued.

ASA Frank explained that the $100K project amount is strictly for Water

Resources projects. All other County projects cannot exceed $30K. Secondly, if

the apprenticeship is an ongoing issue for some Board Members, please reach

out to him with any proposed language changes so he could better help

facilitate. Madam Chairman Pierog reminded the Committee that this ordinance

was done collaboratively and done over a lengthy period of time. Any changes

within this ordinance, would need to go through the same process and be

worked on together with the community, departments, and the County Board.

Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Vern Tepe

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Anita Lewis

Dale Berman, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, and Vern Tepe

Bill Lenert, and Clifford Surges

Jarett Sanchez

AYE:

NAY:

ABSENT:

10.

11.

Old Business

None.

Reports Placed On File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Vern Tepe

12.

13.

Committee Chairman's Comments

None.

Executive Session

The Finance Committee entered into Executive Session at 10:30 a.m. to discuss the

release of Closed Session Minutes on a motion by Tepe, seconded by Lewis. Motion

carried unanimously by roll call vote.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Vern Tepe

Anita Lewis

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

14.

Open Session

The Committee returned to Open Session at 10:35 a.m. on a motion made by Tepe,

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

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Vern Tepe

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

Vote to Release Closed Session Minutes

Committee Vice-Chair Lenert motioned to release the Closed Session Minutes from

December 28, 2023 as reflected on Exhibit A, Surges seconded. Motion carried

unanimously by roll call vote.

RESULT:

APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Clifford Surges

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Clifford

Surges, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Jarett Sanchez

ABSENT:

15.

16.

Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)

None.

Adjournment

RESULT:

APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

Vern Tepe

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

SECONDER:

This meeting was adjourned at 10:38 AM.

Savannah Valdez

Recording Secretary