Kane County Public Service Committee met Feb. 23

By Philip Gonzales

May 4, 2023

Kane County Public Service Committee met Feb. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Kane County

KC Public Service Committee Meeting Minutes

Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A Geneva, IL 60134

SANCHEZ, Young, Gumz, Lewis, Surges, Tepe, Williams & Pierog (ex-offico Chair) Thursday, February 23, 2023 9:00 AM County Board Room

1. Call To Order

Chairman Sanchez called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.

PRESENT Board Member Jarett Sanchez

Board Member Anita Lewis

Board Member Rick Williams

REMOTE Board Member David Young

Board Member Michelle Gumz

Board Member Vern Tepe

AWAY Board Member Clifford Surges

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Also present: Bd. Members Bates*, Juby, Kenyon, Kious*, Molina*, Roth, & Strathmann*; Treasurer Lauzen* & staff Hererra and Christopher; SOA Armstrong; Research Mgr. Scholes; ROE Supt. Dal Santo; Co. Clk. Admin. Pollock; VA Supt. Zimmerman; ITD staff Peters; and members of the press and public.

2. Approval of Minutes: January 19, 2023

RESULT: APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

MOVER: Vern Tepe

3. Public Comment

None.

4. Finance

A. Monthly Finance Reports

The monthly report is attached to the agenda. No oral report was made. 5. Recorder

A. Monthly Report

Research Mgr. Scholes introduced himself and provided updates on county recordings, which are mainly comprised of commercial sales.

6. Treasurer / Collector

A. Monthly Treasurer Report

Treasurer Lauzen provided a presentation that explained the online tax payment program. He spoke on objectives and benefits of implementing the online tax payment option. Much discussion ensued regarding associated fees, processing examples, and timelines. (Surges* arrived - 9:18 AM) (Pierog arrived - 9:18 AM)

B. Authorizing Contract for Credit and Electronic Payment Services (Kane County Collector)

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT: MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

TO: KC Finance and Budget Committee

MOVER: Rick Williams

SECONDER: Anita Lewis

AYE: Jarett Sanchez, David Young, Michelle Gumz, Anita Lewis, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

C. Authorizing Contract for Bill Preparation and Collection Services (Kane County Collector)

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT: MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

TO: KC Finance and Budget Committee

MOVER: Anita Lewis

SECONDER: Michelle Gumz

AYE: Jarett Sanchez, David Young, Michelle Gumz, Anita Lewis, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

7. Supervisor of Assessments

A. Monthly Report

SOA Armstrong stated that his monthly report was included in the agenda packet. He briefly spoke on the senior tax freeze exemption and the income threshold. Discussion ensued regarding concerns for the non-senior residents and their taxes, as well as policy versus administration.

8. Regional Office of Education

ROE Supt. Dal Santo announced two upcoming events. Institute Day will take place throughout the county on March 3, 2023 from 8:00am to 3:30pm. Participating venues include the Q Center, Waubonsee Community College, Kane County Farm Bureau, Geneva School District, and West Aurora High School. This event will focus on social, emotional, and professional learning for all teachers. She noted that the Educator of the Year Banquet will be held on May 5, 2023, which will celebrate the teachers of Kane County. More information on this event will be provided soon. Discussion ensued.

9. Veteran's Assistance Commission

A. Monthly Report

VA Supt. Zimmerman summarized the monthly report that is attached to the agenda. He highlighted new benefit claims from our Veterans and the efficiency with which they are being processed. Discussion ensued regarding office location, staffing, and the PACT Act, which expands health care for those exposed to toxic substances.

10. County Clerk

A. Monthly Report

Co. Clk. Admin. Pollock provided updates on revenue from January 2023. He highlighted breaking the record of passports granted in comparison to previous years. He attributes this record to the County Clerk providing passport photos in the same location as passports. He mentioned that the County Clerk's Office has been awarded $32K in grant revenue from the US Alliance for Election Excellence. He briefly specified that there will be early voting strictly for the Alderman of Ward 6 in the City of Aurora beginning March 10, 2023.

Consolidated voting for all other wards and districts will take place on April 4, 2023. Much discussion ensued regarding the receipt of grant funding and requirements.

11. Other Business

None.

12. Executive Session (If Needed)

None.

13. Reports Placed On File

RESULT: APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

MOVER: Rick Williams

14. Adjournment

RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

MOVER: Rick Williams

SECONDER: Anita Lewis

This meeting was adjourned at 10:03 AM.