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, November 16, 2023  
9:00 AM  
County Board Room  
1.  
2.  
Call To Order  
Chairman Molina called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.  
Roll Call  
Board Member Myrna Molina  
Board Member Bill Lenert  
Board Member Michael Linder  
Board Member Bill Roth  
PRESENT  
Board Member Vern Tepe  
Board Member Rick Williams  
Board Member Michelle Gumz  
REMOTE  
ABSENT  
Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog  
Also present: Co. Bd. Members Bates*, Juby, Kenyon, Kious*, Strathmann*; OEM Dir.  
Buziecki; State's Attorney Mosser & staff Frank*, Shepro; Public Defender Conant;  
Chief Judge Hull; Judge Villa; Court Admin. O'Brien & staff Mathis; Court Srvs. Exec.  
Dir. Aust; Circuit Clk Barreiro; Sheriff Hain* & Commander Wolf; KaneComm Dir.  
Guthrie; ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock & staff Lasky*,Green, Kash, Smith; and  
members of the press and public.  
3.  
4.  
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 Gumz  
attending today's meeting remotely. There were no objections.  
Approval of Minutes: October 12, 2023  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT  
Bill Roth  
5.  
Public Comment (Agenda Items)  
None.  
6.  
Monthly Financial Reports  
Monthly Finance Reports  
A.  
Chairman Molina stated the monthly financial reports were on file. No additional  
report was made.  
7.  
8.  
Merit Commission  
None.  
Emergency Management (S. Buziecki)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
OEM Dir. Buziecki stated the monthly report was on file. He stated that in  
October 2023, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) had it's second  
biggest month of the fiscal year with volunteer hours for a total of 1,253. He  
noted that 33% of the volunteer service calls are with the Kane County Sheriff's  
Office and 67% are with outside public safety agencies. So far this year, OEM  
has had 10,445 volunteer hours. He commended the volunteers for their work  
and dedication. Buziecki stated OEM is trying to increase their exposure on their  
FaceBook page for Kane County Emergency Management, and to share photos  
and be more transparent to the public. He shared that OEM has a job opening  
for a an Open Planner position. They currently have three interviews scheduled  
for Monday. He hopes to have the position filled. Buziecki spoke on the  
volunteer interviews that he has conducted to learn more about the agency,  
volunteers and operations. Lastly, this Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 10:00  
a.m. to 1:00 p.m., OEM is having a Coat Drive at the Sheriff's Office benefiting  
Maddie's Mitten March not-for-profit. Buziecki invited the County Board to come  
tour their headquarters and/or vehicle garage.  
9.  
State's Attorney (J. Mosser)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
State's Attorney Mosser stated the monthly report was on file. She explained  
that her office is preparing for the end of the year. At the end of the year,  
attorneys close out multiple files. They also provide their yearly statistics to show  
the Committee how hard the attorneys have worked. Mosser spoke on the  
abundance of trials that have been occurring over the last three months.  
10.  
Public Defender (R. Conant)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
Public Defender Conant stated the monthly report was on file. No additional  
report was made.  
Authorizing FY24 Public Defender’s Office Budget Adjustment  
B.  
Public Defender Conant explained she would need to amend the financials list in  
this resolution. She stated that the FICA amount needs to be changed to  
$38,081 and IMRF Contributions changed to $22,799.  
Conant explained that this resolution is a budget amendment for FY24. Within in  
this resolution, it stated that the State's Attorney's Office (SAO) will be allotted  
approximately $1.5M in merit increases. The Public Defender's Office (PDO)  
only received about $156K from the equity adjustments. She spoke on the  
disparity of amounts between the two. The goal has been to have the two offices  
be comparable with salary ranges. In FY24, State's Attorney Mosser plans to  
increase the starting salary for attorneys. The PDO will not be able to match that  
salary with the money allotted. Conant spoke on the same credentials that both  
Public Defenders and Assistant State's Attorneys need to acquire in order to  
work in their positions. Due to this, they should be paid similarly. Conant  
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 Roth  
MOVER:  
Vern Tepe  
SECONDER:  
Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Bill  
Roth, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams  
AYE:  
Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
11.  
Judiciary & Courts (Hull/O'Brien)  
Chief Judge Hull introduced the new Chief Judge, Robert Villa. Hull directed Court  
Admin. O'Brien to speak on the following resolution before providing his report.  
Hull stated that this meeting would be his last. He reflected on the last four years in the  
Chief Judge role. He commended the Judicial/Public Safety (JPS) Committee and all  
judiciary partners for their work and support for the 16th Judicial Court. He reviewed the  
numerous construction projects and their purposes that the Board has supported over  
the last four years. Hull spoke on the fair and equitable treatment of County employees.  
He thanked the Committee for their support. Lastly, he personally thanked the  
Committee and staff. He receives the most satisfaction from the relationships he has  
developed. Hull will be continuing his work at addressing abuse, neglect, and  
delinquency issues within the County.  
Committee Chairman Molina expressed the Committee's gratitude for Chief Judge Hull.  
She announced that at the upcoming County Board meeting, the Board will be  
recognizing him and the work that he has accomplished. Additional Committee  
Members shared their views pertaining to Chief Judge Hull. Discussion ensued.  
Authorizing the Creation of a Special Fund for the Kane County Public  
Defender’s Illinois Supreme Court Allocation  
A.  
Court Admin. O'Brien provided additional information on this resolution. Chief  
Judge Hull and Public Defender Conant 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 Roth  
MOVER:  
Bill Lenert  
SECONDER:  
Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Bill  
Roth, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams  
AYE:  
Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
12.  
Court Services Administration (L. Aust)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust stated the monthly report was on file. She stated that  
the turnover rate within her office has decreased, but is does continue. Within  
the monthly report, it shows that her department has continued with training,  
which has been taking up an abundance of time with her staff. Aust spoke on  
the need for staff to be educated appropriately, especially when dealing with  
state laws and court orders.  
JJC Housing Report  
B.  
Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust stated the monthly Juvenile Justice Center (JJC)  
Housing Report was on file. She explained that the JJC is holding more youth  
from the region, which has brought in an additional $200K over the FY23  
budget. By the end of the fiscal year, Aust anticipates that a surplus of $300K  
will be put into the County's General Fund. She stated that her department's  
revenue mostly comes from the State, which is about three months behind  
schedule. Due to this, she anticipates the revenue for salary reimbursement to  
be over what was expected.  
Aust informed the Committee that an out-of-county citizen has filed a lawsuit  
over residency requirements for registered sex offenders. She stated that she  
has joined this lawsuit in her capacity as the head of probation. Her department  
is tasked with enforcing the terms of probation, such as residency. The lawsuit is  
arguing that the clause states that only one registered sexual offender can live in  
an apartment complex at a time. Aust explained that the Illinois Attorney General  
is handling this matter and that their will be no impact on Kane County. She  
stated that she will continue to follow this lawsuit.  
Notification of Renewal of Sex Offender Treatment Services  
C.  
Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust provided additional information on this resolution.  
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, Michael Linder, Bill  
Roth, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams  
AYE:  
Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
13.  
Circuit Clerk (T. Barreiro)  
Monthly Reports  
A.  
Circuit Clk. Barreiro stated the monthly report was on file. She thanked Chief  
Judge Hull for his work and support. She reviewed the September collection  
statistics. She noted that this is not the same revenue collection rate as the past.  
She provided the monthly case statistics. Barreiro spoke on the FY24 Budget.  
When looking over the Circuit Clerk's Office's budget, she noticed that the small  
amount of funding she had put aside for pay wage increases was removed.  
Barreiro spoke on the importance of Deputy Clerks within the judiciary. She  
reviewed the meeting she had with Fin. Exec. Dir. Hopkinson on the budget. She  
informed the Committee that she would bring forth a resolution for a budget  
adjustment due to the inadequate funding. Barreiro explained that her office is  
currently in negotiations with the Union. However, there will be no money in the  
budget to cover the anticipated raises. Barreiro explained that she has tried to  
work within the means of the County, but she has to do what is best for the  
employees of the Clerk's Office. She wanted the Committee to understand the  
importance of Deputy Clerks and the need for adequate pay. Barreiro addressed  
questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.  
14.  
15.  
Coroner (R. Russell)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
Chairman Molina stated the monthly Coroner's Report was on file. No additional  
report was made.  
Sheriff/Adult Corrections (R. Hain)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
Commander Wolf stated the monthly Sheriff's Report was on file. No additional  
report was made.  
Authorizing the Kane County Sheriff’s Office Purchase of a Handheld X-Ray  
Imaging System  
B.  
Commander Wolf stated that this resolution needs to be amended to include Bid  
Number 23-025 in the third Whereas clause.  
KC Finance and Budget Committee  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Finance and Budget Committee  
Rick Williams  
MOVER:  
Bill Roth  
SECONDER:  
Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Bill  
Roth, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams  
AYE:  
Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
Authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Illinois Criminal Justice Information  
Authority for the Award of the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Grant to  
the Kane County Sheriff’s Office  
C.  
KC Finance and Budget Committee  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Finance and Budget Committee  
Bill Lenert  
Bill Roth  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Bill  
Roth, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams  
AYE:  
Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
Approving and Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Aurora and  
the City of Elgin for the Execution of the 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice  
Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Award  
D.  
KC Finance and Budget Committee  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Finance and Budget Committee  
Bill Roth  
MOVER:  
Michael Linder  
SECONDER:  
Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Bill  
Roth, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams  
AYE:  
Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
Authorizing the Kane County Sheriff’s Office to Implement a Standard Security  
Protocol to Enhance and Maintain Safety Measures for the Kane County  
Government Center  
E.  
Chairman Molina directed KaneComm Dir. Guthrie to present her monthly report  
before an Executive Session is held to discuss this resolution.  
After the Executive Session, the Committee provided consensus that this  
resolution be held until next month's Committee meeting for further discussion.  
RESULT:  
HELD OVER  
16.  
KaneComm (M. Guthrie)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
KaneComm Dir. Guthrie stated the monthly report was on file. She highlighted  
the completed construction for KaneComm employees providing more office  
space, break/quiet room, and employee lockers. She shared before and after  
photos of these projects. She thanked Building Mgmt. Project Mgr. Smith and  
the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) for their help and support during  
construction. Guthrie addressed questions and comments from the Committee.  
Guthrie welcomed the Committee to tour the new space. She spoke additional  
space needs within her office.  
Authorizing Salary Increase for the Kane County Emergency Communications  
Director of Communications  
B.  
Chairman Molina stated that this resolution would be voted on after an Executive  
Session was held.  
KC Finance and Budget Committee  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Finance and Budget Committee  
Michael Linder  
MOVER:  
Michelle Gumz  
SECONDER:  
Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Bill  
Roth, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams  
AYE:  
Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
17.  
18.  
Old Business  
None.  
Place Written Reports on File  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT  
Bill Roth  
19.  
Executive Session (If Needed)  
The Judicial/Public Safety Committee entered into Executive Session at 9:55 a.m. to  
discuss security, the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline,  
performance, and dismissal of specific employees on a motion made by Roth,  
seconded by Gumz. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.  
RESULT:  
APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
Bill Roth  
MOVER:  
Michelle Gumz  
SECONDER:  
Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Bill  
Roth, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams  
AYE:  
Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
The Committee returned to Open Session at 10:08 a.m. on a motion made by Roth,  
seconded by Linder. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.  
20.  
21.  
Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)  
None.  
Adjournment  
RESULT:  
APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE  
Bill Roth  
MOVER:  
Michael Linder  
SECONDER:  
This meeting was adjourned at 10:10 AM.  
Savannah Valdez  
Recording Secretary