Kane County Judicial and Public Safety Committee met Oct. 14.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chairman Molina called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Myrna Molina | Kane County | Chairman | Present | |
| Mark Davoust | Kane County | Vice Chair | Present | |
| David Brown | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Michelle Gumz | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Bill Lenert | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Jarett Sanchez | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Kenneth C. Shepro | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Corinne M. Pierog | Kane County | Ex-Officio County Board Chair | Present |
2. Approval of Minutes: September 16, 2021
| RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: David Brown, Board Member SECONDER: Michelle Gumz, Board Member AYES: Myrna Molina, Mark Davoust, David Brown, Michelle Gumz, Jarett Sanchez, Kenneth C. Shepro ABSENT: Bill Lenert |
None.
4. Monthly Financial Reports
A. Judiciary Financial Reports
Chair Molina noted that the financial reports were on file.
5. Merit Commission
Merit Commission Chairman Burgert discussed testing for Correction Officer positions, which will be held in December. He stated there has been a significant decrease in the number of people testing.
6. KaneComm (M. Guthrie)
A. Monthly Report
KaneComm Dir. Guthrie stated that the monthly reports were on file. She recognized telecommunicator James Holden for celebrating his 20-year anniversary with KaneComm. She stated that three employees had recently celebrated the 20-year milestone.
7. Sheriff/Adult Corrections (R. Hain)
Sheriff Hain thanked the Committee for supporting the jail and courthouse camera system update. Member Shepro discussed the retirement of the Chief of Police and several officers in Wayne. He inquired on how that may affect the agreement between the County and the Village for services. Hain explained that Kane County and DuPage County Sheriff’s Offices were working together on a proposal to submit to the Village of Wayne. Discussion on the future of police presence in Wayne ensued.
B. Resolution: Approving the Purchase of Vehicle for the Sheriff's Office Drug Interdiction Unit and Budget Adjustment for FY21
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/27/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Finance and Budget Committee MOVER: David Brown, Board Member SECONDER: Michelle Gumz, Board Member AYES: Myrna Molina, Mark Davoust, David Brown, Michelle Gumz, Bill Lenert, Jarett Sanchez, Kenneth C. Shepro |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 11/3/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Executive Committee MOVER: Michelle Gumz, Board Member SECONDER: Mark Davoust, Board Member AYES: Myrna Molina, Mark Davoust, David Brown, Michelle Gumz, Bill Lenert, Jarett Sanchez, Kenneth C. Shepro |
A. Monthly Report
State's Attorney Mosser spoke on the Pre-arrest Diversion Program. She explained the concept of the program is to help people with mental health issues, drug addiction, or lack of resources instead of arresting them. Mosser noted some serious consequences that one night in jail can have on a person and listed several benefits of this program to keep them out of the system. She stated that with the help of the Sheriff’s Department, Kane County had created the first Pre-arrest Diversion Program. Mosser acknowledged the Sheriff providing funding to hire the Pre-arrest Diversion Coordinator Martha Paschke. Mosser announced that the Federal Government awarded Kane County $150K to hire staff that will work with the Sheriff’s Department to get the program started. She explained that a resolution will be presented to the Board in the near future for the official transfer of the funds. Mosser stated that several interns will be working for the State’s Attorney’s Office to help start the program. She listed benefits, which include less case filings, faster treatment, and savings to the County.
Mosser spoke on the Safety Act and the continued discussion on how it will affect the criminal justice system. She discussed trying to shift the people out of the criminal justice system. She noted that the Safety Act was an unfunded mandate, which will cause changes to the system. Mosser stated that funds will be needed in order for the judicial system to be run properly. She spoke on the need for additional staff in all departments to increase services. Madam Chairman Pierog requested a three year budget forecast for the additional needs. Chief Judge Hull discussed the current challenges of the Safety Act. Sheriff Hain noted that Kane County Finance had the Sheriff’s Office three-year budget projection on file. Madam Chairman shared the goal of preparedness for next year. Much discussion ensued regarding the budget and employees working in the criminal justice arena.
9. Public Defender (R. Conant)
A. Monthly Report
Public Defender Conant congratulated the State's Attorney for receiving federal funding for the Pre arrest Diversion Program. She gave full support of the Public Defender’s Office. Conant reiterated the benefits of this program, which would lighten the number of cases, and help people stay out of the court system. She noted that the monthly reports were on file. Conant announced that the Public Defender’s Office was fully staffed with attorneys and noted two employees would be retiring. She stated that support staff will be needed to fill those positions in the near future. Shepro acknowledged the number of people who retire from the County and inquired about the availability of seniority reports to stay ahead of the vacancies caused by retirement.
10. Judiciary & Courts (Hull/D. Naughton)
A. Monthly Report
Chief Judge Hull thanked Board Member Sanchez for communicating that no project request had been received for ARP funding. Hull stated that there was a computer error, which was located and corrected. He spoke on Madam Chairman’s three-year budget cycle request and discussed the challenge of addressing the needs of the County within the funding that the County receives. Hull showed appreciation to the Board and the decisions that it has to make in prioritizing needs. Chief Judge Hull announced that he had been re-elected for another two-year term. He stated that he was grateful to continue to plan for the future with Kane County. Hull spoke to the challenges of responding to the pandemic, recovering from the backlog of cases, re-imaging, and redesigning the court system due to Covid. He discussed the need for electrical improvements at the Judicial Center and at the Third Street Courthouse. Hull stated the opportunity for the court system to redesign how court is run by using technology to make court more accessible, more affordable, and more efficient. He spoke on the Safety Act and the use of technology to implement new systems. He stated that Kane County has the opportunity to be leaders in building for the future. Hull answered questions from the Committee regarding the decrease in failure to appear rates, which also decreased the number of warrants that were issued. Court Svcs. Dir. Aust explained that the failure to appear rate has decreased by approximately 4% due to texting, emailing, and face timing clients to remind them of court dates. Public Defender Conant stated that the usage of Zoom had also helped decrease the failure to appear rate. Much discussion ensued on the benefits of Zoom court. Hull acknowledged the IT department for the quickness and creativity in preparing the court system for remote hearings. Madam Chairman inquired on the availability of prepaid phones for people that do not have that technology for court. Chief Judge Hull stated that was not available at this time and that the access to technology was an issue that has been identified. The committee congratulated the Chief Judge on his re-election.
B. Resolution: Authorizing the State Justice Institute Grant
Dep. Court Admin. O' Brien introduced the resolution, stating that Kane County was awarded $36,625 to fund the facilitator to develop the strategic plan. She noted that it was a 12-month grant. Chief Judge Hull spoke on funding and the plan to collectively bring prioritized needs to the Kane County Board. He noted that the contract has a year follow-up to make sure that the steps will be followed. Barreiro discussed the collaboration of departments to address the important issues.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/27/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Finance and Budget Committee MOVER: Kenneth C. Shepro, Board Member SECONDER: Mark Davoust, Board Member AYES: Myrna Molina, Mark Davoust, David Brown, Michelle Gumz, Bill Lenert, Jarett Sanchez, Kenneth C. Shepro |
Dep. Court Admin. O'Brien discussed the grant for an abuse and neglect courtroom in the amount of $4,150 in FY21. She noted that this was an increase from 2020, which was affected by Covid.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/27/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Finance and Budget Committee MOVER: Michelle Gumz, Board Member SECONDER: Kenneth C. Shepro, Board Member AYES: Myrna Molina, Mark Davoust, David Brown, Michelle Gumz, Bill Lenert, Jarett Sanchez, Kenneth C. Shepro |
A. Monthly Report
Court Svcs. Dir. Aust discussed the fluidity of the pre-trial implementation at this time. She spoke on the bond call process and its revision, which may take up to three years to complete. Aust noted challenges of planning for a timeline when changes keep arising. She acknowledged several community partners, such as the Salvation Army for organized coat drives. Coats have been delivered to the jail. Coat collection has started for probation and juvenile detention. Aust showed support to Archana Liggins CEO of “Bag Lady Outreach” who organizes hygiene products for women and girls in need, because food banks do not supply those products. Aust stated that the report for the JJC was on file.
B. Resolution: Authorizing a Lease Agreement Extension for the Kane County Court Services Field Office in Elgin
Court Svcs. Dir. introduced the resolution stating that would be a five-year lease extension.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/27/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Finance and Budget Committee MOVER: Michelle Gumz, Board Member SECONDER: Mark Davoust, Board Member AYES: Myrna Molina, Mark Davoust, David Brown, Michelle Gumz, Bill Lenert, Jarett Sanchez, Kenneth C. Shepro |
Court Svc. Dir. Aust stated that for every minor that is held at the Kane County Juvenile Detention Center, the County that they reside in is charged a per diem of $135 a day. She noted that this agreement will allow for the juvenile’s from McHenry County to continue to be detained at this facility. Aust answered questions from the Committee regarding the costs to Kane County to detain juveniles.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 10/27/2021 9:00 AM
TO: Finance and Budget Committee MOVER: Mark Davoust, Vice Chair SECONDER: Kenneth C. Shepro, Board Member AYES: Myrna Molina, Mark Davoust, David Brown, Michelle Gumz, Bill Lenert, Jarett Sanchez, Kenneth C. Shepro |
A. Monthly Report
Circuit Clerk Barreiro noted that the monthly reports were on file. She discussed a decrease in the collection of fines and fees of approximately $100K a month. Barreiro stated that in the month of August, $203K was acquired through Collections. She spoke on the payment drop box, which had been successful in fee collection. She stated the goal is to have drop boxes at locations in Aurora, Elgin, and at the Kane County Clerk’s Office for the payer’s convenience. Barreiro listed improvements that had been made at the office, such as new carpet and awning. She stated that employees continue to have complaints regarding wages. She noted that Union negotiations will begin soon. Barreiro spoke on her attendance at a CTC conference in Ohio, where she was introduced to new technology that may be implemented to help with payments and keeping track of court dates. She acknowledged technical support staff, CIO Monica Lawrence, and her department for all the work that they perform. Barreiro spoke on ways to boost moral within the office to show the employees that they were important. She stated that three new employees have been hired and that applications were being received. Barreiro announced that a new boutique has been established in the Circuit Clerk’s Office for gently used articles of clothing for new employees that need those items. She noted that unused items will be donated to Mutual Ground or homeless shelters in the area. She stated that there will be teambuilding so employees can get to know and support each other. Barreiro announced that computers will be available to local prosecutors to ensure that Zoom court can be held on a secure network. She spoke on the future of the court system with the use of technology. Chair Molina thanked Barreiro for her creative thinking. Much discussion ensued. Barreiro answered questions from the Committee.
13. Coroner (R. Russell)
A. Monthly Report
Coroner Russell stated the report was on file. He reported an increase in the number of deaths. He stated that there was an influx in natural causes and overdose cases. Russell showed much concern in the abundance of deaths caused by fentanyl. He stated that 2021 is projected to have the highest number of opioid deaths in Kane County history. Russell described the average demographics of people overdosing with fentanyl as 30-50 year old, Caucasian, men. He answered questions from the Committee. Much discussion ensued regarding drug use and the link to mental health. Madam Chairman Pierog stated that action needs to be taken on the opioid epidemic. Brown inquired about the significant increase in Covid related deaths and the number of those cases that were vaccinated. Russell stated that approximately half of those deceased, due to Covid, were vaccinated.
14. New Business
None.
15. Place Written Reports on File
Shepro requested unanimous consent to place the reports on file. Consent was granted.
| RESULT: APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
AYES: Myrna Molina, Mark Davoust, David Brown, Michelle Gumz, Bill Lenert, Jarett Sanchez, Kenneth C. Shepro |
None.
17. Adjournment
| RESULT: APPROVED WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: David Brown, Board Member SECONDER: Mark Davoust, Vice Chair AYES: Myrna Molina, Mark Davoust, David Brown, Michelle Gumz, Bill Lenert, Jarett Sanchez, Kenneth C. Shepro |
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