Kane County Legislative Committee met June 22.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Chairman Gumz called the meeting to order at 10:02 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 | Absent | |
| Mavis Bates | Kane County | Board Member | Remote | |
| David Brown | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Monica Silva | Kane County | Board Member | Remote | |
| Todd Wallace | Kane County | Board Member | Absent | |
| Corinne M. Pierog | Kane County | Ex-Officio County Board Chair | Present | |
| Kenneth C. Shepro | Kane County | Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair | Present |
2. Approval of Minutes: May 18, 2022
| RESULT: APPROVED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT
MOVER: Kenneth C. Shepro, Ex-Officio County Board, Vice Chair AYES: Michelle Gumz, Cherryl Strathmann, Mavis Bates, David Brown, Monica Silva, Kenneth C. Shepro ABSENT: Deborah Allan, Todd Wallace |
None.
4. Legislative Update
A. Gun Safety - Federal Bipartisan Legislation
Board Member Bates spoke on gun safety. She explained that after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, she contacted the State Attorney’s Office (SAO) to request information on how to help with the safety of schools in Kane County. Bates noted the SAO recommended board members to speak with state legislators on avenues Illinois could take. She urged her fellow members to speak with legislators to pass better gun safety legislation. Madam Chair Pierog mentioned the Illinois Red Flag Law. She would like to be able to review the law and see how Kane County could implement the protocol. She would like to advocate for the law in order to protect the privacy of those victims of gun violence. Bates summarized the additional recommendations provided by the SAO.
Sheriff Hain stated that over the last four years, he has had the opportunity to speak at local rallies on his department’s stance against gun violence. He explained that any additional legislation against guns would not have any effect on the real issues. He stated guns will continue to be smuggled and guns will be readily available internationally. Law-abiding citizens are not the ones committing these horrific acts; it’s those people with severe mental health issues. Hain explained the procedures that have been implemented in Kane County. He noted the new software that has been developed through the Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) database that allows police to see in real-time who in the community has been revoked. He announced that 26 assault rifles and handguns have been turned in or seized from the community since January 2022. He noted the Sheriff’s Office has been doing everything they can within their authority to limit gun violence in Kane County.
Bates mentioned the 2008 NIU shooting and indicated that change, even if small, is needed. She would like Kane County to take the lead and show action towards gun safety. Co-Chair Gumz spoke on the extreme measures the Sheriff has been taking with respect to mental health and gun safety. Hain suggested that the Committee should speak to state legislators on the ban of assault rifles and ammunition. Vice-Chair Shepro spoke on legislation and gun control laws. He discussed challenges to drafting new legislation regarding gun control. Much discussion ensued.
5. Old Business
A. Kane County's Legislative Agenda Update
Co-Chair Gumz stated she and Co-Chair Strathmann have been working on a new legislative webpage. This webpage will explain to the public what the Legislative Committee is focused on and what new legislation Kane County has interests in. Gumz hopes that by the next Legislative Committee meeting, the web page will be complete. Bates suggested they review Lake County’s Legislative page as a template.
B. Presentation: Contracted Lobbyist
Gumz explained that an executive meeting was held regarding a lobbyist and the concerns with the 4- way split of $7,500 that had not been fully discussed. She mentioned the potential for an RFQ that was discussed at last month's meeting. She spoke on the consensus of the Committee on the opportunity Kane County has in regards to the selected lobbyist. Co-Chair Strathmann agreed to the lengthy discussion that was had and noted the Committee was able to voice their questions and comments. She added the misconception of hiring a lobbyist under the table was simply false. Shepro stated that the results of the discussion were not forwarded or understood by fellow colleagues. Gumz spoke on previous discussions on the County’s memberships and whether or not the memberships should be kept. She introduced Joe McCoy from ISACo to provide his input.
UCCI Representative
Gumz stated that Kane County has not been a member of UCCI since 2017. No presentation will be provided.
NACo Representative
Gumz introduced Director Kim Hall and Director Mark Ritacco from the National Association of Counties (NACo). Mr. Ritacco provided NACo’s motto and spoke on the advocacy provided. Referencing a presentation, Ritacco spoke on the NACo Federal Policy Priorities. He noted restoring the balance of federalism and optimizing intergovernmental partnerships are among the top priorities. He explained his main role is to elevate Kane County’s seat at the table with respect to pressing legislation. He provided the organizational chart of NACo’s governance and committee structure. Ritacco spoke on the organization of NACo Caucuses and events held each year. He explained that NACo employs 16 experienced staff members that work on promoting their priorities. Ritacco noted NACo gives much attention to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and how to utilize funds appropriately. He emphasized the ARPA Fiscal Recovery Fund. He provided a comprehensive tool that can be found on their website to learn more about the ARPA funding. Ritacco spoke on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which includes funding and 72 different programs to improve infrastructures. He stated it’s important for counties to be knowledgeable on what other counties are undertaking. He also spoke on the Broadband outreach that NACo has been focusing on.
Director Kim Hall discussed the benefits of NACo memberships and the guidance they provide. Referencing a presentation, she listed several items NACo assists each County with and the values and goals they uphold. Hall noted that 85% of U.S. counties are NACo members. All counties benefit at a national level from NACo’s focus on issues that matter. She provided an in-depth review of the association’s values, such as engagement and educational opportunities. She discussed NACo’s Leadership Academy, which is an interactive 12-week online program. Hall explained how NACo saves time, money, and resources for each of their members. She detailed the cost saving solutions and the partnerships with several other programs. She discussed the Tech Xchange and Cyber Security resources available. Hall explained the importance of cyber safety and the education of Tech Xchange provides. Hall spoke on NACo’s partnership with Three + One and their program Cashvest. She noted that Cashvest has saved counties thousands of dollars and that Kane has taken part in the Live Healthy Discount Program. She explained the discounts that have been provided through the program. She stated the whole goal of Kane County’s membership with NACo is to see the county succeed. Hall addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Co-Chair Gumz thanked Ms. Hall and Mr. Ritacco for their time and presentations. Gumz went on to say that these memberships seem to be underutilized by the County. Much discussion ensued.
ISACo Representative
Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) Executive Director, Joe McCoy, presented a brief history on the association. He stated ISACo was created to give leaders in Cook and other collar counties the opportunity to be resented in Springfield. ISCAo is not only a County Board association, but collaborates with other groups to work on county related issues. Since it’s beinning in 2018, ISACo has grown to 29 members. McCoy discussed the benefits and services that ISACo provides. He stated that ISACo offers a 12-month legislation program, whereby the association constantly looks through legislation and communicates findings with members. McCoy stated that ISACo’s staff has reviewed over 2600 bills that were filed in 2022, and tracked over 800. He highlighted multiple association’s multiple accomplishments for their members in the 12-month program. He provided information on the bill tracking system ISACo has developed to make it easier to stay on top of legislation affecting counties. He discussed the different ways one could look up bills and the different searches that can be done.
McCoy detailed the coverage provided by the association and how cost-splitting works for contracted lobbyists. He listed the surrounding counties that already utilize an ISACo membership and along with their lobbyists. He showed support for the lobbyist Kane County is considering. McCoy stated ISACo and the chosen lobbyist could work together for the benefit of the County. Referencing a presentation, McCoy listed several benefits Illinois State Association of Counties provide. He spoke on the relationships of Kane County Legislative Committee members and their involvement with ISACo. He explained Kane County officials and other county officials met and discussed how the Safe-T Act is affecting personnel decisions and other challenges. He provided examples of ISACo’s publications and reports. McCoy stated that ISACo shares education and information on their website and encouraged the Committee to review it. He spoke on several additional resources offered by ISACo. McCoy emphasized the importance of the partnership ISACo has with the National Association of Counties (NACo). He noted that Illinois is well represented within NACo. He listed the number of NACo employees that have ties to Illinois and have been promoted within the association. McCoy addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Madam Chairman Pierog stated that ISACo has been very valuable, highly responsive, and honest is their delivery. She commended ISACo in their ability to go the extra mile for their members in finding solutions. Hall provided links to NACo’s County Explorer website and to NACo’s Annual Conference. Discussion ensued.
Sheriff R. Hain
Sheriff Hain spoke on the partnership with the County to acquire a lobbyist for a 6-month trial period. He discussed the lack in follow through with state funding for the Sheriff’s Office. He believes an experienced lobbyist would be able to help solve this issue and bring more money to the County. Hain addressed questions from the Committee regarding state funding and the need for a lobbyist. He provided multiple examples of how a lobbyist could assist Kane County. Madam Chairman Pierog spoke on the budget and the need for a strong voice at the table to advocate for the County. Discussion ensued. KDOT Deputy Director Rickert addressed questions from the Committee regarding funding for specific capital projects and engineering.
Coroner R. Russell
No presentation was given.
6. New Business
None.
7. Co-Chair Comments
Co-Chair Strathmann stated the presentations were very informative and important and agreed with Co Chair Gumz on the underutilization of the County’s memberships.
8. Executive Session (If needed)
None.
9. Adjournment
| RESULT: APPROVED WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mavis Bates, Board Member SECONDER: Cherryl Strathmann, Co-Chair AYES: Michelle Gumz, Cherryl Strathmann, Mavis Bates, David Brown, Monica Silva, Kenneth C. Shepro ABSENT: Deborah Allan, Todd Wallace |
Alerts Sign-up