Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC Judicial/Public Safety

Committee

Meeting Minutes

MOLINA, Lenert, Gumz, Linder, Roth, Tepe, Williams & ex-officio Pierog (County Chair)

Thursday, August 15, 2024

9:00 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

Chairman Molina called the meeting to order at 9:03 AM.

Roll Call

Board Member Myrna Molina

Board Member Bill Lenert

Board Member Michelle Gumz

Board Member Bill Roth

PRESENT

Board Member Vern Tepe

Board Member Rick Williams

Board Member Michael Linder

REMOTE

ABSENT

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Also present: Co. Bd. Members Allan*, Bates*, Juby*, Kenyon, Kious*; KaneComm Dir.

Guthrie; OEM Dir. Buziecki; Undersheriff Johnson*; Coroner Russell; Court Admin.

O'Brien & staff Mathis; State's Attorney Mosser & staff Hunt*, O'Brien, Shepro; Public

Defender Conant; Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust & staff Davis; Circuit Clk. Barreiro; ITD

staff Peters; and members of the press and public.

Remote Attendance Requests

Chairman Molina announced the remote attendance requests for today's meeting. She

asked the Committee if there were any objections to Committee Member Linder

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

Approval of Minutes: July 11, 2024

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Bill Roth

Public Comment (Agenda Items)

None.

(Committee Member Linder arrived remotely at 9:04 a.m.)

Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)

None.

Monthly Financial Reports

Monthly Finance Reports

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

report was made.

Merit Commission

None.

KaneComm (M. Guthrie)

Monthly Report

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

there were two anniversaries within KaneComm's management team in July

2024. She recognized employees, Andrew Baumann, on celebrating 12 years

and Sarah Stoffa on celebrating five years with KaneComm. Guthrie stated that

there are a number of projects KaneComm has been working on. She thanked

the Circuit Clerk's Office for allowing them to use space to train police agencies

on KaneComm's Management Project. This project is in the process of going

live, which will be a version of the Sheriff's Office's record system through Tyler

Technologies. This system will now be utilized by police agencies throughout the

County. Guthrie noted that a resolution about this will be introduced at next

month's Committee meeting. She announced that KaneComm will be receiving a

grant from the State of Illinois. The grant will come from the Next Generation

9-1-1 grant, which was opened up for more uses, other than just the

implementation of the system. With this grant, Guthrie will explore ways on how

to make operations more efficient. KaneComm has applied for a $100K grant to

integrate the Emergency Medical Dispatch Protocols into the Computer-Aided

Dispatch System. Guthrie presented the Emergency Medical Dispatch Protocols

card set that is utilized by each telecommunicator during an emergency 9-1-1

call. Lastly, KaneComm's priorities continue to be hiring and training. Guthrie

addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

10.

Emergency Management (S. Buziecki)

Monthly Report

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

excitement on the Preparedness Classes for Kids that is taught by

Preparedness Specialist, Beth Drendel. He noted that Drendel will have taught

approximately 1,500 kids during this year. He stated that the Office of

Emergency Management (OEM) is actively looking for grants for this program,

due to items handed out to the children at these classes, such as a first-aide

kits. He explained that after the last severe storms that affected Kane County,

many parents of these kids reported having a more calm demeanor and taught

their families how to set up their own emergency preparedness kits. Buziecki

stated that OEM volunteers have served approximately 9K hours through the

end of July 2024. He reported that the Planning Specialist position has become

vacant, last month. OEM has received 26 applicants for this position and are in

the process of interviewing six people. Buziecki hopes to have this position filled

by next month. He shared photographs of the children that attended the

Emergency Preparedness Class.

Tornado Presentation

OEM Dir. Buziecki stated that Kane County has had 10 tornadoes, to date. He

provided the July 2024 Tornado Briefing presentation. On Sunday, July 14,

2024, at approximately 10:00 p.m. two tornadoes were spotted in Elburn and St.

Charles. Buziecki shared photographs depicting the path of these two tornados.

He reviewed the statistics of each tornado. On Monday, July 15, 2024, at about

9:00 p.m., three tornadoes were spotted in Maple Park, Sugar Grove/Aurora,

and Sugar Grove/North Aurora areas. There were a total of 32 confirmed

tornadoes in the Chicagoland National Forecast area, which broke a record of

the most tornadoes in a single day. Buziecki shared the statistics of the three

tornadoes. He shared numerous photographs depicting the structural damage

around the County. He reviewed the Federal Emergency Management Agency's

(FEMA) Estimate of Eligible Public Assistance. He explained that OEM is

required to collect damage cost estimates. Every level of government has the

opportunity to submit cost damage estimates to FEMA for financial assistance.

As of August 14, 2024, Kane County had approximately $700K in damages.

Buziecki explained that in order to qualify for FEMA assistance, Kane County

would need $2.3M. He noted that the damage acquired by these storms would

not qualify. He explained that OEM wants to become better at finding storm

damage, in order to possibly receive financial assistance. He summarized the

statistics of the 10 Kane County tornadoes. Buziecki addressed questions and

comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

11.

12.

Sheriff/Adult Corrections (R. Hain)

Monthly Report

Chairman Molina stated the Sheriff's monthly report was on file. No additional

report was made.

Coroner (R. Russell)

Monthly Report

Coroner Russell stated the monthly report was on file. He reported on the

Coroner's Office's initiatives. He spoke on preventable deaths, such as

opioid-related deaths. Within the last year, the Coroner's Office and the Kane

County Health Department (KCHD) have been pushing the Narcan initiative.

With the partnership of KCHD, approximately 500 boxes of Narcan have been

distributed throughout the County. Russell spoke on the installation of Narcan

vending machines all around the County. He explained that Narcan

administration will not harm a person, even if they are not suffering from an

opioid overdose. He noted that having this lifesaving drug assessable for

residents will help prevent less overdose deaths. Russell spoke on a second

alarming trend. Since 2020, Kane County has had approximately 15 homicides

per year. He explained that DuPage County, which has 9000K residents,

average 12 to 15 homicides per year. This is alarming, since Kane County has

about half of the population than DuPage. Russell explained that he has

partnered with author, Dr. Robert Renteria, in hopes that Kane County could

help combat the violence. He spoke on Dr. Renteria's past gang-life and how he

became a marine, business owner, and author. He spoke on Renteria's books'

impact within the world of crime. Russell hopes to receive these books

throughout the County and host events to help those that need a way out of the

violent life. He anticipates these books and events will help prevent these violent

deaths proactively, instead of consistently being on the defense. Russell

addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

13.

Judiciary & Courts (Villa/O'Brien)

Court Admin. O'Brien explained that Chief Judge Villa has been absent due to family

issues. She spoke on the request for reductions for FY2025 Budget. She explained that

each County department/office was given strict guidelines by the Finance Department

and the County Board to adhere to an increase of 2.5% for personnel and 3% in

commodities/contractual services. Under these directives, Judiciary and Courts did as

requested, but is still being asked to cut expenses. O'Brien explained that the Judiciary

and Courts is a small department with no extra or unneeded positions. In fact, Judiciary

and Courts has combined positions to better streamline operations. Over the past three

years, Judiciary and Courts have applied and were awarded Administrative Office of

the Illinois Courts (AOIC) grants in the amount of approximately $4M to improve court

technology and modernize court functions. These are dollars that Judiciary and Courts

did not request from the County. O'Brien stated that Judiciary and Courts are thankful

to the County for granting equity adjustments for legal staff to remain competitive in

today's job market and that they support the courts' programs. If budget cuts are

enforced, the progress and services will be diminished or be lost. Across the board

blanket reductions seems fair, but are only fair on the surface. These reductions

presume all work and costs are equal, but does not account for the differences in each

departments ability to absorb those cuts. O'Brien stated that it is unfortunate that these

cuts are being asked for in an effort to correct the real issue, a long-term plan to

increase revenue. As justice partners, each strive to fulfill our mission to uphold the

law, administer justice, and serve and protect the community. Judiciary partners

manage their departments responsibly, such as applying for grants. Kane County

Judiciary and Courts are recognized nationwide for their services and programs

provided. By asking Judiciary and Courts to reduce expenses and cut personnel, if

needed, is telling staff that they are expendable and tells the Kane County community

that diminished or lack of services are okay. O'Brien reported that, at this time,

Judiciary and Courts cannot make any specific reductions without discussing it with

Chief Judge Villa. O'Brien addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

Discussion ensued.

Deputy Court Admin. Mathis announced that former Chief Judge Hull will be retiring

after serving 30+ years in public service. An open house will be held in his honor at the

Kane County Judicial Center on August 16, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. Mathis provided a brief

personal and professional background of Judge Hull. He thanked Hull for his service.

14.

State's Attorney (J. Mosser)

Monthly Report

State's Attorney Mosser stated the monthly report was on file. She provided a

presentation on the FY2023 Annual Report. She stated that the State's

Attorney's Office (SAO) is diligently going through their budget to see where they

can cut expenses. However, she wanted to present this information to express

the concerns of the SAO. Mosser reviewed the significant increased statistics in

investigations and cases within each SAO unit, such as the Criminal Division,

Felony Screening, Major Crimes Unit, Gun and Gang, Narcotics, Child Advocacy

Center, Special Victims, Domestic Violence, Victim Services, DUI and Major

Traffic, Juvenile Delinquency, Abuse and Neglect, Misdemeanor and Traffic,

Conviction Integrity and Resentencing, Post Conviction, Specialty Courts, Child

Support, Deferred Prosecution, Collaborative Diversion, and Civil Division. She

spoke of the financial impact each one of these cases have on the SAO. Mosser

stated that she has visited Springfield, Illinois numerous times to request grants

to help serve the community. Recently, the SAO was granted $1M for assistance

on Domestic Violence cases. Mosser spoke on her frustrations of being asked to

cut 4.8% from the SAO budget. She echoed Judiciary and Courts that they are

federally mandated. She spoke on her office's proactive approach to solving

issues around the County. She continues to seek out grants and be fiscally

responsible. She and CFO Hunt will work together to try to find areas in which

the SAO could make cuts. However, Mosser stated she will not lay-off any

employee from her office. Each one of these employees is crucial to the

functionality of the SAO. She explained that the SAO is willing to work with the

County Board, but she cannot lessen her office that is finally running efficiently.

Mosser addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Much

discussion ensued.

15.

Public Defender (R. Conant)

Monthly Report

Public Defender Conant stated the monthly report was on file. She commented

on the requested budget cuts directed by the Finance Department and the

County Board. As reported last month, the Public Defender's Office (PDO) will

be fully staffed, due to the recognition of the County Board on the importance

and need of comparable, equitable salaries for these attorneys. In the PDO,

moral is up because these attorneys can afford to stay in the job they love and

can focus on plans that the PDO have had. Conant stated that experienced

attorneys are a premium. Many hours are spent in training these attorneys,

which makes it very important to retain them. This makes a difference because

the PDO is mandated through the U.S. Constitution and legislation to provide

the right to counsel. Conant spoke on the amount of time it takes to

appropriately address each Pretrial Fairness Act hearing. She noted that most of

these hearings are not planned and are in addition to the attorney's case call.

Conant stated that because of the Pretrial Fairness Act, the PDO needs to retain

trained and educated attorneys, in order to effectively represent their clients.

Conant spoke on the increased impact of the Pretrial Fairness Act. Conant

explained that with the additional funds granted by the County Board, the PDO

was able to hire the proper amount of attorneys and support staff. Conant spoke

on the impacts her office has had on each case and the ability to represent their

clients in court. She explained that attorneys are the majority of the PDO's

budget. If these proposed budget cuts were to be implemented, she would need

to cut these attorneys. Conant explained that these attorneys carry out the

mandates and without them they cannot ensure effective and efficient

resolutions of cases. She echoed that if any of the Judiciary partners make staff

cuts, it would impact the Judicial System as a whole. Conant explained several

examples the budget cuts would have on each Judiciary partner's

office/department. She stated that the PDO has followed the FY2025 guidelines

and has worked to be a responsible fiscal partner. She will continue to review

the PDO's budget to see where cuts could be made, but the budget is mainly

salaries and wages for attorneys.

16.

Court Services Administration (L. Aust)

Monthly Report

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

addressed the lack of communication from the County Board to

departments/offices addressing the $2M budget cuts. She spoke on the need for

Judiciary partners to sign up for public comment to address the Finance

Committee at the previous Special Finance Committee meeting. She addressed

the potential impacts on Court Services. She has reviewed her budget and will

be able to cut one commodities, such as reducing drug testing on those on

probation and essential rehabilitation services. During last's months FY2025

Budget presentations, Aust stated she proposed a cut of $300K in Juvenile

Crisis Stabilization and residential placements. This funding could potentially be

switched to the County's budget as referenced in the Kane County Code,

Statute 55. It states that it is the County's obligation to fund the Shelter Care Act

and Detention Home Act. After that presentation, Aust spoke to County judges

about these potential budget cuts. Many of them showed concern, especially

with the lack of services within the current juvenile system. Aust spoke on the

distance traveled by juveniles to address their mental health. She explained that

if cuts are not made to the Juvenile Crisis Stabilization and residential

placements, then cuts to staff will have to be made. She informed the

Committee that the majority of Court Services' commodities are related to the

operations of the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC). She stated that Juvenile

Detention is regulated closely and cuts cannot be made here. If she were to cut

staff that equated to the proposed $420K, it would take ten staff members. Aust

reminded the Committee that a strike occurred in 2018 when eight staff

members were let go from the Electric Home Monitoring Program. She stated

that she has reviewed the Court Services Budget and has made every feasible

cut she can. Any additional cuts that she is requested to make would adversely

affect court operations. Aust stated that numerous meetings would need to be

had with each Judiciary partner on how these proposed cuts would impact the

court. Additionally, she would need to speak with the Administrative Office of

Illinois Courts (AOIC) in order to receive permission to reduce certain programs.

As mentioned, judges are under no requirement to stop ordering people to

probation or pretrial services, just because the County reduces funding. If Court

Services has to make these cuts, it will impact the entire Kane County criminal

system.

JJC Housing Report

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Mason County for Juvenile

Detention Services

Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust provided additional information on this resolution.

Authorizing the Purchase of Body Scanners for the Juvenile Justice Center

JJC Supt. Davis provided additional information on this resolution, such as the

numerous mandates and legislation that has been passed that directly affect the

Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) and the increase in crimes committed to staff by

juveniles. He asked that the Committee approve these scanners to help secure

the facility more efficiently. Davis addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Bill Lenert

MOVER:

Michelle Gumz

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Bill Roth, Vern Tepe,

and Rick Williams

AYE:

Corinne M. Pierog

Michael Linder

ABSENT:

AWAY:

17.

Circuit Clerk (T. Barreiro)

Monthly Report

Circuit Clk. Barreiro stated the monthly report was on file. She reported that the

Circuit Clerk's Office's (CIC) caseload is up 11%. The CIC is currently fully

staffed with Deputy Clerks, due to salary increases. She noted that these salary

increases did not increase the CIC's overall budget. Within the CIC's Budget

presentation that was shared at last month's meeting, Barreiro shared that the

FY2025 budget was 6% lower than FY2024. She spoke on the numerous State

statutes that the CIC has to follow. She stated that at the Special Finance

Committee meeting, the Committee originally asked for $1.2M budget cut, this

was reduced, but will still have a drastic impact on the CIC. Barreiro spoke on

the impacts of these budget cuts. She noted that most of the budget cuts would

involve personnel, which she will not do. She spoke on her confusion on these

proposed budget cuts, when wages were just increased. She explained that the

16th Judicial Court is a pillar in the State of Illinois. When Barrerio became a

County Board Member in 2012, there was much discussion about a 2008 lawsuit

involving former Circuit Clerk Deb Seyller. During this time, the Kane County

Board cut the CIC's budget which lead to 11 staff members being laid off. When

this occurred, phones were not answered and proper services were not

provided. Due to this, a lawsuit was filed. Barreiro explained that the Judicial

Public Safety Strategic Planning and Technology Commission was developed.

This Committee was formed to protect and to fund the case management

system, because in 2008, the County wanted the CIC to pay for the system that

is utilized by all Judiciary partners. Barreiro spoke on the importance of having a

reliable case management system. She explained that the CIC has had a

balanced budget and that she has worked under budget for the past four years.

The CIC is finally fully staffed with Deputy Clerks. Barreiro spoke on the amount

of work that is required of Kane County clerks to complete. She stated that she

will not lay-off staff because the CIC will not efficiently run. Barreiro spoke on

the financial impacts of the Pretrial Fairness Act. She addressed the challenges

of implementing constant changing legislation on all Judiciary partners. She

stated that it would be impossible to cut the amount that was requested by the

County Board of Judiciary. She explained that she has been speaking with

legislators in Springfield, Illinois on how to gain funding to cover salaries, such

as hers. She asked the Committee to please look at the allocation of the

Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Sales Tax. Barreiro addressed questions and

comments from the Committee.

18.

19.

Old Business

None.

New Business

Chairman Molina requested that the Finance Committee allow Judiciary partners to

participate in the next Special Finance meeting on Monday, August 12, 2024.

Additionally, she will be reaching out to the Judicial Public Safety (JPS) Committee

regarding the September 12, 2024 meeting. She noted that there is a Forest Preserve

golf outing that is scheduled the same day and she would like to see who will be able to

attend the JPS meeting. If many members cannot attend, an alternative date would be

decided upon.

20.

21.

Place Written Reports on File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Rick Williams

Executive Session (if needed)

None.