Kane County Reporter

Kane County Legislative Committee met March 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call To Order

Chairman Linder called the meeting to order at 10:17 AM.

PRESENT Board Member Michelle Gumz

Board Member Michael Linder

Board Member Mavis Bates

Board Member Cherryl Strathmann

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Vern Tepe

REMOTE Board Member Gary Daugherty

Board Member Myrna Molina

Board Member Monica Silva

ABSENT Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Also present: Bd. Members Allan*, Juby*, Kious*, Roth, & Sanchez*; Dev. Exec. Planner Hill; Marc Avelar* of Algonquin; IT Exec. Dir. Fahnestock*; Trans. Chief of Staff Rickert*; and ITD staff Peters.

2. Roll Call

3. Approval of Minutes: February 22, 2023

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE

MOVER: Mavis Bates

SECONDER: Gary Daugherty

AYE:

4. Public Comment None.

Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Mavis Bates, Gary Daugherty, Myrna Molina, Monica Silva, and Cherryl Strathmann

5. Legislative Update

A. Agricultural and Natural Resources Legacy Act (Janice Hill)

Dev. Exec. Planner Hill provided a presentation on the importance of upcoming farm legislation, including the Illinois Agriculture and Natural Resources Legacy Act. This Act seeks to protect local farmland by providing access to federal funds to maintain farmland and agricultural communities. She mentioned that there is currently over 6K acres of permanently protected land, with several others in process. She stated that land owners in collar counties do not have the same legal protection as Kane County and cannot take advantage of any funding opportunities. She spoke on the federal Farm Bill that is reauthorized every five years and how this Act could assist our neighboring counties with conservation easements. Much discussion ensued regarding the process of designating these easements, as well as the passing of the Legacy Act. Co-Chair Gumz made a motion for consensus to draft a letter in support of this legislation. Co-Chair Linder seconded the motion and consensus was granted by the Committee.

B. HB 2332 & SB 1873 - Coroner & Medical Examiner Fees

Co-Chair Gumz discussed various bills currently working their way through the legislative process, including HB 2332 and SB 1873. She anticipates that both of these bills will be passed by day end.

C. HB 3171 - Property Tax Senior Freeze

Co-Chair Gumz invited Bd. Member Tepe to speak on HB 3171, which is currently being spoken about in legislative session. Discussion ensued on the lack of movement with this bill. Co. Vice Chair Tepe cited his tax preparing expertise and stated that there are cap issues. He spoke on qualifications, as well as organizational support from Senior Services and The Age Guide. Discussion ensued regarding contacting legislators by email to express concerns.

Co-Chair Gumz mentioned another bill that is in the legislative process which addresses law enforcement shortages by allowing non-resident citizens to become police officers. Discussion ensued.

Co-Chair Linder spoke on amendments to the Open Meetings Act, such as disabilities, outside employment, illnesses, family emergencies, and child care being added to the list of exceptions. Much discussion ensued regarding time frames, funding and environmental bills.

D. HB 3203 - Overdose Prevention Fentanyl

Co-Chair Gumz spoke on the benefits of HB 3203, specifically making fentanyl testing strips more easily available. She stated that this bill is not moving as swiftly as the others. Discussion ensued regarding harm reduction.

E. HB 3755 - CD Corrections (Sheriff Hain)

Co-Chair Gumz stated that HB 3755 is moving along swiftly. She noted that Matt Hanson drafted this bill and has gained a number of supporters.

F. SB 1403 988 Task Force

Co-Chair Gumz stated that SB 1403 has already been passed. This bill aims to provide a specialized task force that will be trained to take phone calls from those in a mental health crisis. Discussion ensued.

6. Old Business

A. Lobbyist Update

Co-Chair Gumz discussed the two applicants for the lobbyist position. She explained that the candidates have been vetted by the evaluation team and are currently in the process of scoring qualifications. She estimates that the decision will be made by April 2023. Discussion ensued.

7. New Business

Committee member Strathmann announced that HB 3350 regarding mental health and domestic violence did not pass in this legislative session.

8. Executive Session (if needed)

None.

9. Co-chair Comments

Co-Chair Gumz expressed gratitude to Committee members for their attention and support in these matters.

10. Adjournment

RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE

MOVER: Mavis Bates

SECONDER: Gary Daugherty

This meeting was adjourned at 11:26 AM.

https://www.countyofkane.org/MeetingMinutes/6600/23-3-22.pdf