Kane County Administration Committee met Aug. 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chairman Kious called the meeting to order at 10:18 a.m.
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Chris Kious | Kane County | Chairman | Present | |
| John Martin | Kane County | Vice Chair | Present | |
| Dale Berman | Kane County | Board Member | Remote | |
| Mark Davoust | Kane County | Board Member | Remote | |
| Ron Ford | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Drew Frasz | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Michelle Gumz | Kane County | Board Member | Remote | |
| Corinne M. Pierog | Kane County | Ex-Officio County Board Chair | Late | 10:19 AM |
| Kenneth C. Shepro | Kane County | Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair | Absent |
2. Approval of Minutes: July 14, 2021
| RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Drew Frasz, Board Member SECONDER: John Martin, Vice Chair AYES: Chris Kious, John Martin, Dale Berman, Mark Davoust, Ron Ford, Drew Frasz, Michelle Gumz ABSENT: Kenneth C. Shepro |
A. The monthly reports were included in the agenda packet. No report was made.
4. Public Comment
Cheryln Cameron, 3810 Ridge Point Drive, Geneva, spoke on the Solar Project. She noted concerns of health and safety of neighbors that live close to the future solar field. Cameron stressed that information needs to be provided of the effects of a solar farm located in close proximity to the neighborhood. She noted a lack of a solar ordinance within Kane County. She mentioned a 14 page solar ordinance that DeKalb has put into place. She provided studies that were done throughout DeKalb versus the lack of information that was provided to the public in Kane County. She would like assurance that the solar panels will not hinder the health of the community and that someone within the County would oversee the project.
Paul Cameron, 3810 Ridge Point Drive, Geneva, discussed the aesthetic issues of the proposed project. He stated there is an elevation grade near the homes that would overlook the future solar field. He stressed the importance of designing the landscape and sightlines, when it comes to the neighbors. He suggested different ideas for landscaping that would appease the neighbors. He discussed the footprint and questioned the priority of how this project will affect the neighbors.
John Mead, no address provided, discussed the benefit to the county for the added power supply the Solar Project would provide. He discussed possible aesthetics of the project and suggested ways to appease the neighbors. He stated the future proposal should be purposeful and considerate to the neighbors.
Dave Pollack, 169 Arbor Avenue, Sugar Grove, spoke on agenda item 10B: Verizon Cellphone Audit. He talked about the impact of the financial waste of the unused lines within Kane County. He informed the Board of his current employment with T-Mobile. He discussed possible savings of $40K by switching to T Mobile. He asked the Board for a chance to speak with them on a possible new bid.
5. Facilities Management
A. Capital Projects Update
C. Allen spoke on the current power outages, noting that Building A’s power is backed up by a generator, which will provide power during a power outage. Allen introduced the new Director of Capital Projects, Mr. Marcus Smith.
B. Discussion: Establishing the County Facilities Master Plan Subcommittee of the Administration Committee (Not Included)
Allen provided an update about the new sub-committee formed to oversee the memorialization of an official creation of a mechanism that would be in compliance of the Open Meetings Act. Allen informed the Committee that there was no resolution, but just a discussion about the sub committee. Frasz further explained about the sub-committee.
6. Information Technology
A. Resolution: Authorizing Approval of Personnel Replacement Hiring As Needed for Building Management and Information Technologies Department
Fahnestock discussed the hiring freeze that is in effect, which asks for Building Management and IT to go through the approximate 45-60 day process to re-hire for positions that are budgeted and approved. He noted the higher turnover rates and the need to hire back. He requested the rehiring of people who have been leaving without the 45-60 day process.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 8/25/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Finance and Budget Committee MOVER: Michelle Gumz, Board Member SECONDER: Dale Berman, Board Member AYES: Chris Kious, John Martin, Dale Berman, Mark Davoust, Ron Ford, Drew Frasz, Michelle Gumz ABSENT: Kenneth C. Shepro |
Fahnestock discussed the OMNIA Joint Purchasing Agreement. He noted that Amazon has been used in the past and has costed approximately $15-20K per month in purchasing throughout various departments. The OMNIA Joint Purchasing Agreement will authorize expenditures for the department, which will save the County money. Fahnestock detailed OMNIA and how there would be a better discount for purchasing.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 8/25/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Finance and Budget Committee MOVER: Michelle Gumz, Board Member SECONDER: Ron Ford, Board Member AYES: Chris Kious, John Martin, Dale Berman, Mark Davoust, Ron Ford, Drew Frasz, Michelle Gumz ABSENT: Kenneth C. Shepro |
None.
8. Vehicles
None.
9. Construction
None.
10. New Business
A. Resolution: Approving a Power Purchase Agreement and Lease for Solar Energy with GRNE Solarfield 05, LLC
Referencing a presentation, Klee spoke on the Solar Power Purchase Agreement opportunity and the Land Lease for a two mega-watt field at the Kane County Judicial Center. She spoke on the synopsis and the partnership with GRNE and Progressive Energy Group. She showed the proposed site for the solar field, which is adjacent to the Kane County Judicial Center. Klee provided a summary of the town hall meeting that happened on August 3, 2021. She discussed the concerns and questions of the neighbors. She provided information on property value assessments and noted there were no negative impacts. Referencing two studies, Klee noted an increase to living next to a solar field could go up to 7%, but, on average, should only increase by 2%. She spoke on potential solutions to ease concerns of the neighbors, including landscaping and health. She discussed the Land Lease Agreement and noted that GRNE Solar is responsible for construction, the removal of the system, early termination, and maintenance. Klee talked about the possibility of pollinator plantings under the solar field. Klee summarized the resolution and timeline. Klee noted the benefits of the solar project to the County facilities, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and reliability. She noted that there would be a $5M in savings over the 25-year life of the program. Martin showed support of the project and asked questions regarding the project. Wollnik answered several questions regarding the berm and installation of the solar panels. She discussed options for landscaping around the solar project. Klee explained GRNE would have the authorization to expand funds to maintain the aesthetics. Much discussion ensued. Frasz requested information regarding the health concerns. Support was shown from several committee members after concerns and engineering are addressed. Madam Chairman recommended a solar ordinance for Kane County. Wollnik spoke on challenges and customization of solar special use processes. Much discussion ensued regarding concerns.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 8/25/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Energy and Environmental Committee MOVER: Dale Berman, Board Member SECONDER: Michelle Gumz, Board Member AYES: Chris Kious, John Martin, Dale Berman, Mark Davoust, Ron Ford, Drew Frasz, Michelle Gumz ABSENT: Kenneth C. Shepro |
Wegman introduced Intern Ryan Kula and explained that Mr. Kula would present the presentation of an audit on Verizon.
Intern Ryan Kula referenced a presentation and provided information that Kane County currently has 858 phones and devices issued. He stated the cost over the past year for all devices was $395,262. He noted the audit was performed over the past six months in the interest of saving time. He noted savings and potential savings from cancellations of limited use or no use phones. He stated the potential savings could be approximately $68K a year. He gave recommendations of device usage, policy and requirements. He recommended a monitoring process and formalize wireless device inventory. Frasz commented on the extent of the 1800 page bill that Kane County receives every year. He answered several questions from the committee. Fahnestock discussed the 1800 page bill and the devices that are used on a limited basis but are still needed within different departments.
11. Old Business
None.
12. Reports Placed On File
| RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Drew Frasz, Board Member SECONDER: Ron Ford, Board Member AYES: Chris Kious, John Martin, Dale Berman, Mark Davoust, Ron Ford, Drew Frasz, Michelle Gumz ABSENT: Kenneth C. Shepro |
None.
14. Adjournment
| RESULT: APPROVED WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mark Davoust, Board Member SECONDER: Michelle Gumz, Board Member AYES: Chris Kious, John Martin, Dale Berman, Mark Davoust, Ron Ford, Drew Frasz, Michelle Gumz ABSENT: Kenneth C. Shepro |
http://kanecountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=3044&Inline=True
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