Kane County Reporter

Kane County Legislative Committee Met April 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

Chairman Gumz called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

Attendee Name	Organization	Title	Status	Arrived
Michelle Gumz	Kane County	Co-Chair	Present
Cherryl Strathmann	Kane County	Co-Chair	Present
Deborah Allan	Kane County	Board Member	Present
Mavis Bates	Kane County	Board Member	Present
David Brown	Kane County	Board Member	Present
Monica Silva	Kane County	Board Member	Present
Steve Weber	Kane County	Board Member	Present
Corinne M. Pierog	Kane County	Ex-Officio County Board Chair	Present
Kenneth C. Shepro	Kane County	Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair	Late	10:16 AM

Also present: Co. Bd. Member Kious, Molina, Sanchez; Water Resources Dir. Wollnik; Joe McCoy and ITD staff Peters.

2. Approval of Minutes: March 17, 2021

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Deborah Allan, Board Member SECONDER: Cherryl Strathmann, Co-Chair AYES: Michelle Gumz, Cherryl Strathmann, Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, David Brown, Monica Silva, Steve Weber

3. Public Comment

None.

4. Old Business

A. Legislative Update

Chairperson Gumz stated that the Illinois General Assembly was in session. She reported being watchful of several key bills and encouraged the members to stay informed.

B. Presentation: HB2415 County Cannabis Revenue (Michelle Gumz)

Chairperson Gumz stated that HB2415 has been signed by the Governor. She thanked the committee members who filled out witness slips, sent emails, and contacted legislators. She stated this bill will benefit residents of Kane County.

5. New Business

Member Allen spoke on an initiative to fund a Fox River Task Force regarding flooding. She requested support of the Fox River Flood Risk Assessment Program.

A. Presentation: ISACO Newsletter and Toolkit (Joe McCoy)

ISACO Exec. Dir. Joe McCoy showed appreciation to the Committee for the invitation and membership in ISACO. He recommended signing up for the newsletter. McCoy noted an amendment to HB2055 to authorize the property for the Kane County Criminal Courts complex to be used as a private drug addiction center. He reported that the spring legislative session has been very successful even with challenges presented by Covid. McCoy explained that ISACO has been able to participate in legislative hearings, reviewed an abundance of bills and have tracked 800 bills of interest to counties. He spoke on ISACO initiatives including SB1595 which would change the vote threshold required to allow County Board Chairs and Vice Chairs, who are elected by the board, to be elected by a majority of the Board and would also establish consistency on how vacancies of the Chairperson would be handled. McCoy discussed a second initiative SB501 which would relieve counties of the responsibility to change names of duplicate townships, unless townships with the same name exist within a single county. McCoy stated ISACO has to adjust their priorities based on viable issues. He detailed two priorities which effect all 102 counties. He stated the first deals with revenue the state shares with counties and municipalities through taxes. He noted that ISACO has been advocating against the proposed cut and would encourage counties to oppose. McCoy stated the second priority is to amend state law to address the inability of the State to distribute census data to counties for the redrawing of county board districts by the deadline. He reported that SB1666 has been introduced before the Census Bureau announced that the data will be delayed. He spoke on a possible delay of the FY22 Primary Election as a way to give counties time to comply with State statutes and use accurate data during reapportionment. McCoy urged Committee members to raise these issues with legislators. McCoy answered several questions from the Committee. McCoy discussed the ISACO toolkit which included HB412 and SB2192. He spoke about concerns of grant guidelines and revenue sources. He detailed two Covid 19 related issues in the toolkit that are supported by ISACO. McCoy introduced SB2140 which extends protection for employers against civil litigation due to Covid exposure. He explained SB482 which would allow local governments to hold remote meetings without an emergency declaration. McCoy addressed a potential proposal that would restrict local control of solar and wind energy. McCoy provided a brief update from Federal Lobbyists. Chair Gumz reiterated the importance of contacting legislators.

B. Presentation: Clean Energy Jobs Act (Mavis Bates) SB1718 Sponsored by Christina Castro HB0804 Sponsored by Ann Williams

Member Bates explained Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) and the benefits to Kane County. She discussed the effects of climate change such as global warming and air pollution. Bates defined environmental justice and explained that CEJA has been working to improve environmental laws. Bates stated benefits of CEJA such as quality jobs, increased electric vehicle usage, carbon free, clean and renewable power. She spoke on a Clean Jobs Workforce Hub which was proposed to be located in Aurora. She stated it will assist in job training and career placement. She stated that CEJA will give preferences to the Returning Citizens program and graduates of the foster care system. Bates spoke on the expansion of the Solar for All program which will help people of low income to receive solar panels. She talked about having a Carbon Free Power Sector by 2030 and the benefits of having zero emissions. Bates presented the goal of 100% clean renewable energy by 2050. She stated the need to be more energy efficient. She discussed programs through ComEd and Nicor that have efficiency programs. She noted safety benefits and cost savings. Bates explained a Clean Transportation Sector which would include a rebate and incentive program for electric vehicle owners. She listed several reasons that Kane County needs CEJA and requested the Committee to fill out witness slips to help get SB1718 passed. Bates stated a virtual Lobby Day will be held in Springfield on April 26, 2021 and provided information on registration. Bates answered several questions from the Committee. Much discussion ensued.

C. Presentation: SB1692 Drainage District Commissioner Election

Water Resources Dir. Wollnik provided a brief history of the preservation of agricultural areas. She stated the main challenge of drainage in these areas was broken tile systems. Wollnik gave an overview on drainage districts and the reactivation project to assist farmers. She discussed challenges of absentee land owners not maintaining drainage on the land. Wollnik explained that the proposed legislation of SB1692 would give each acre of land one vote toward a drainage district electoral instead of each parcel. She noted concerns of the proposal, as it would provide a disadvantage to Kane County. She recommended working with Senators Lyons and Bennett to revise the legislation, so that in Kane County each parcel would receive a vote as opposed to each acre. Chairperson Gumz recommended filling out witness slips.

D. Presentation: SB1325 Election Code

Chairperson Gumz stated this bill was discussed earlier. No further discussion ensued.

E. Presentation: SB1666 Counties CD-Apportionment Plan Sponsored by Linda Holmes

Chairperson Gumz stated this bill was briefly discussed earlier. She stated that it will be re-addressed after it has gone through the sub committees.

F. Presentation: SB2278 Counties CD-Public Safety Sponsored by Steve Stadelman

Chairperson Gumz provided information on an upcoming virtual hearing which will be held April 21, 2021 to amend county code. She discussed the proposed amendment to SB2278 that would require the creation of a seven member board to administer the County Occupation Tax, but would limit expenditures on mental health. Gumz noted that ISACo is opposed to this amendment.

6. Comments from Co-Chair

Co-Chair Strathmann stated that she sent a spreadsheet of contact information for state and federal representatives to the committee members.

7. Executive Session (If needed)

None.

8. Adjournment

RESULT: APPROVED WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: David Brown, Board Member SECONDER: Mavis Bates, Board Member AYES: Michelle Gumz, Cherryl Strathmann, Deborah Allan, Mavis Bates, David Brown, Monica Silva, Steve Weber

This meeting was adjourned at 11:08 a.m.

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