Kane County Public Service Committee Met April 22.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chairman Tepe called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m.
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Vern Tepe | Kane County | Chairman | Present | |
| Tom Koppie | Kane County | Vice Chair | Present | |
| David Brown | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Bill Lenert | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Anita Lewis | Kane County | Board Member | Present | 9:05 a.m |
| Kenneth C. Shepro | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Clifford Surges | Kane County | Board Member | Present | 9:03 a.m |
| Corinne M. Pierog | Kane County | Ex-Officio County Board Chair | Present |
2. Approval of Minutes: March 18, 2021
| RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kenneth C. Shepro, Board Member SECONDER: Bill Lenert, Board Member AYES: Vern Tepe, Tom Koppie, David Brown, Bill Lenert, Anita Lewis, Kenneth C. Shepro, Clifford Surges |
The monthly reports were included in the agenda packet. No oral report was made.
4. Recorder
The monthly reports were included in the agenda packet. No oral report was made.
5. Treasurer / Collector
Treasurer staff Herrera talked about the tax parcels. She stated that tax bills will be mailed out April 30, 2021. She discussed several different ways payments can be made to the Treasurer's Office. Herrera noted that in person services will continue to be limited due to Covid. Herrera answered questions from the committee.
6. Supervisor of Assessments
Supv. of Assessments Armstrong discussed the property taxes and noted they were nearing completion. He detailed the FY21 projected equalization factors, dates of certification, and final filing deadline. Armstrong discussed the plan for reopening building C for public access and capacity concerns. He explained the five phases to reopen and contingency plan. Armstrong provided an update on HB3289 which talked about homestead exemption and senior tax freeze. He stated that a version of the bill that was passed April 20, 2021. He spoke on legislation changes and explained exemption options. He spoke on the consequences of low income tax exemptions to other taxpayers. Armstrong answered questions from the committee.
Resolution: Appointing Additional Members to the Board of Review
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/5/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Bill Lenert, Board Member SECONDER: Kenneth C. Shepro, Board Member AYES: Vern Tepe, Tom Koppie, David Brown, Bill Lenert, Anita Lewis, Kenneth C. Shepro, Clifford Surges |
ROE Supt. DalSanto discussed changes that have been made since the reopening schools. She stated that contact tracing regulations have continued. DalSanto announced that the Educator of the Year banquet will be held virtually this year due to Covid.
8. County Clerk
Staff Pollack reported on revenue and the increase in passports and marriage certificates. He projected the increase in revenue to continue for the remainder of FY21. Pollack spoke on the completion of the consolidated election. He stated the full support of the Clerk’s Office to the Kane County Board in the redistricting efforts. Pollack showed appreciation to the Health Department for assisting with the vaccination process for staff. He stated that in-person transactions have been limited to appointment only. Pollack announced plans for the upcoming reopening of the office. Board member Shepro inquired on the 708 Referendum. Chairman Tepe stated that there will be discussion of the referendum later in the meeting.
9. Other Business
10. Executive Session (If Needed)
Lenert moved to enter into Executive Session for discussion on pending legal matters. Lewis seconded at 9:44 a.m.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [6 TO 2]
MOVER: Bill Lenert, Board Member SECONDER: Anita Lewis, Board Member AYES: Vern Tepe, David Brown, Bill Lenert, Anita Lewis, Clifford Surges NAYS: Tom Koppie, Kenneth C. Shepro |
The Committee returned to Open Session at 10:18 a.m.
States Attorney Mosser explained that in the matter of the Mental Health Referendums, the language that was used by the advice of attorneys for those townships. She stated that when the referendum was received to be placed on the ballot, it was not the position of the Clerk’s Office to give legal advice that they were invalid or defective. Mosser explained that had the townships made in inquiry, the State’s Attorney’s Office could have given an advisory opinion in regards to the language. She stated support of mental health issues and the importance of funding for those services. Mosser discussed the legality of the placement of tax levies on tax bills which would require homeowners to pay those taxes. She cited case law and statutes that it would be unlawful for the Clerk’s Office to place it on property tax bills. She stated that the decision was made by the Clerk not to extend a tax levy that would be unlawful by the advice from the State’s Attorney’s Office. Madam Chairman Pierog discussed the need for mental health and addiction services. She answered questions and spoke on the legalization of marijuana.
11. Reports Placed On File
| RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bill Lenert, Board Member SECONDER: Kenneth C. Shepro, Board Member AYES: Vern Tepe, Tom Koppie, David Brown, Bill Lenert, Anita Lewis, Kenneth C. Shepro, Clifford Surges |
Cheryl Grey, a resident of St. Charles, spoke on the lack of response from the County Clerk in regards to the Mental Health Referendum, which was overturned in Elgin and Dundee. She stated that the voters approved the referendum and would like an explanation.
Mark Avilar, a resident of Dundee Township, was present on behalf of the 708 Mental Health Board. He announced that the Township Board had approved to pursue litigation against the Kane County Clerk. Avilar discussed the dismay of the township in the reversal of the Mental Health Referendum.
Paul Setze, a resident of Sleepy Hollow, inquired on the statutory authority the Clerk had regarding the results of an election.
Member Surges stated that the Clerk’s Office worked at the discretion of the State's Attorney's Office on the matter.
Grey requested communication be sent by the County Clerk regarding the action to Elgin and Dundee to give the voters and update.
Avilar spoke on the information learned from the meeting, there may be the possibility to avoid litigation. He also thanked State’s Attorney Mosser for the provided case law.
13. Adjournment
| RESULT: APPROVED WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bill Lenert, Board Member SECONDER: Kenneth C. Shepro, Board Member AYES: Vern Tepe, Tom Koppie, David Brown, Bill Lenert, Anita Lewis, Kenneth C. Shepro, Clifford Surges |
http://kanecountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=3030&Inline=True
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