Kane County Judicial and Public Safety Committee met June 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chairperson Lenert called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Bill Lenert | Kane County | Chairperson | Present | |
| John Martin | Kane County | Vice Chair | Present | |
| Mo Iqbal | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Michael Kenyon | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Anita Lewis | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Jarett Sanchez | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Angela C Thomas | Kane County | Board Member | Late | 9:05 AM |
2. Approval of Minutes: December 12, 2019
RESULT: APPROVED WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mo Iqbal, Board Member
SECONDER: Michael Kenyon, Board Member
AYES: Bill Lenert, John Martin, Mo Iqbal, Michael Kenyon, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez
ABSENT: Angela C Thomas
3. Public Comment
Jeff Ward resident of Kane County spoke in regards to a concern of "ghost pay rolling". He submitted a FOIA request for an individual that was terminated in the State's Attorney's Office that had continued to receive pay. Ward felt that the amount the taxpayers paid should be taken out of the State’s Attorney’s budget next year. (Thomas arrived @ 9:05 a.m.)
4. Monthly Financial Reports
Staff Waggoner referencing the report included in the agenda packet, noting there were no concerns at this time for the General Fund. The items trending over the recommended amount in the special revenue fund were due to transfers. Staff will continue to monitor.
5. State's Attorney (J. McMahon)
State's Attorney McMahon provided a verbal report noting their year-end report would be finalized in a couple weeks. Their office follows the calendar year rather than the County's fiscal year. Felonies were trending higher for 2019 with an estimated two cases filed per week. There was a slight increase in comparison to 2018. Over the last 5 years, there has been an estimated 20% increase in felonies alone.
This continued increase is a significant issue. In addition, the advancement of digital evidence has caused a rapid depletion of IT storage, specifically the video evidence. Law enforcement has been collecting home surveillance; this data takes a large amount of server space. McMahon stated that the Board would need to start considering the expense of storing this kind of data. This is something that the County needs to start preparing for now into the next fiscal year.
6. Sheriff/Adult Corrections (R. Hain)
A. Monthly Report
Sheriff Hain provided a snap shot of 2019 year in review. He recognized his staff in the audience, Under Sheriff Gengler, Commander Conklin, Beatus, and Commander Peeler for all their countless efforts throughout the year. Hain provided a PowerPoint presentation including video footage from
a drone, the drone is part of a pilot program they have activated this past year. He covered the public safety goals achieved, which included the incorporation of OEM, purchasing the Leno Bear Cat and various programs and trainings. Hain provided a comparison chart of jail safety statistics from 2016- 2019 noting the positive trend. The major goals for 2020 included the treatment center lease, implementation of the Energy Efficiency project and upgrading the camera system in the Corrections Center.
Chair Lenert commented on the EHM program in progress. Chief Judge Hull felt the idea of getting the low risk offenders back into the community and working has been a move in a positive direction. Chair Lenert noted the program has potential to bring down expenses to the taxpayers and improve the community. Brief conversation occurred. He presented the following resolution:
B. Resolution: Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the Kane County Sheriff's Office and the Fox Valley Park District for Police Services
RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 2/5/2020 9:00 AM
TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Michael Kenyon, Board Member
SECONDER: John Martin, Vice Chair
AYES: Bill Lenert, John Martin, Mo Iqbal, Michael Kenyon, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, Angela C Thomas
7. Judiciary & Courts (Chief Judge Hull/D. Naughton)
A. Monthly Report
Chief Judge Hull provided a verbal report, he commented on the annual Christmas party at the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC). Judge Hull noted the importance of being recognized for their work,
the staff and the kids who are detained, especially during the holidays. Davis commented how significant it was for his staff and the detainees to see board members, judges, and the Chairperson to take the time to come to the facility. Davis noted that it helps teach the kids how to behave and how to be social amongst other adults and professionals. Chief Judge Hull announced that they were able to expand the capacity from 20 to 30 individuals in the Treatment Alternative Court (TAC) Program. This program has been very successful in assisting individuals back into the community. He presented the following resolution:
B. Resolution: Authorizing the Child Protection Data Court Grant
RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 1/29/2020 9:00 AM
TO: Finance and Budget Committee
MOVER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member
SECONDER: Anita Lewis, Board Member
AYES: Bill Lenert, John Martin, Mo Iqbal, Michael Kenyon, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, Angela C Thomas
8. Court Services Administration (L. Aust)
The report was included in the agenda packet.
9. Juvenile Justice Center (M. Davis)
The reports were included in the agenda packet. Supt. Davis noted the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) has been establishing new detention standards. These standards are being reviewed and Kane County will not be affected as of now. More information will be provided when needed.
10. KaneComm (M. Guthrie)
Dir. Guthrie referenced the report included in the agenda packet noting the current staffing report. They had three new Telecommunicators as of October 2019; however, one individual has resigned due
to the stress of the job entailed. Chair Lenert commented that it is a very demanding job and they are handling it very well. Brief conversation occurred.
11. Merit Commission
None
12. Circuit Clerk (T. Hartwell)
Cir. Clk Hartwell referenced the report included in the agenda packet. He reported an overall decrease of 2,000 cases for 2019. A component of the decrease is the reduction of traffic tickets that have been filed. Chair Lenert commented on the total collected by Harris and Harris, estimating to $148,000. Hartwell responded that the State’s Attorney’s Office has had a hand in getting the cases closed and filed.
13. Public Defender (B. Willett)
Interim PD Brenda Willett, introduced herself, she resides in St. Charles and has been a Public Defender for 25 years. Willett discussed the challenges of the storage data for the video evidence, the same concerns as the State’s Attorney’s Office. Questions were asked regarding the ability to share the data with both offices. The sensitivity of confidentiality of sharing files with the prosecutors/defenders can be detrimental to their client’s cases. Willett stated that unfortunately, they would need two separate storage systems for the data.
McMahon agreed and stated that the data could be tracked. Therefore, the sharing of the storage would compromise the ability to manage and defend the cases appropriately. Brief discussion occurred.
14. Coroner (R. Russell)
A. Monthly Report
The report was included in the agenda packet for review. Russell reported that 2019 was a very busy year. The annual report is expected to be completed in February. The audit for the accreditation certification is underway. Russell stated that over Christmas staff was involved with an organization called Christmas Cheer. They worked in collaboration and volunteered to provide over 1,000 meals to those in need on Christmas morning. He discussed the statistics for 2019. Homicides more than doubled the motor vehicles deaths were down slightly, however suicides increased as well. Russell felt the most concerning increases were the drug overdoses. These increases impacted the financial budget for 2019. He presented the following resolution:
B. Resolution: Authorizing FY19 Budget Adjustment for Kane County Coroner's Office
RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 1/29/2020 9:00 AM
TO: Finance and Budget Committee
MOVER: Michael Kenyon, Board Member
SECONDER: Anita Lewis, Board Member
AYES: Bill Lenert, John Martin, Mo Iqbal, Michael Kenyon, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, Angela C Thomas
15. Executive Session (If Needed)
Committee member Lewis commented on the importance to recognize individuals and the successful programs established throughout Kane County. Brief conversation occurred.
16. Place Written Reports on File
RESULT: PLACE WRITTEN REPORTS ON FILE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jarett Sanchez, Board Member
SECONDER: Mo Iqbal, Board Member
AYES: Bill Lenert, John Martin, Mo Iqbal, Michael Kenyon, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, Angela C Thomas
17. Adjournment
RESULT: ADJOURNED BY VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mo Iqbal, Board Member
SECONDER: Michael Kenyon, Board Member
AYES: Bill Lenert, John Martin, Mo Iqbal, Michael Kenyon, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, Angela C Thomas
This meeting adjourned at 9:57 a.m.
http://kanecountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=2594&Inline=True
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