Kane County Public Service Committee met June 22.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call To Order
Chairman Sanchez called the meeting to order at 9:01 AM.
PRESENT Board Member Jarett Sanchez
Board Member David Young
Board Member Anita Lewis
Board Member Clifford Surges
Board Member Vern Tepe
Board Member Rick Williams
ABSENT Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog
AWAY Board Member Michelle Gumz
Also present: Bd. Members Juby, Kenyon, Molina* & Strathmann*; Sp. ASA Shepro; Treasurer Lauzen; Animal Control Admin. Youngsteadt*; VA Supt. Zimmerman; HR Exec. Dir. Lobrillo; Asst. ROE Supt. Oliver; Co. Clk. Admin. Pollock; ROE Coord. of Alt. Programs Axelsen; SOA Armstrong; Auditor Wegman; Co. Clk. Cunningham; ITD staff Peters; and members of the press and public.
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Minutes: May 31, 2023
RESULT: APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
MOVER: Vern Tepe
4. Public Comment
Chairman Sanchez announced that there will be two resolutions on the July 2023 Public Service agenda that will be addressing public concerns with the County Clerk. Discussion ensued.
Debbie Kanarowski from Geneva expressed her frustration with the lack of progress and information from the County Clerk regarding the US Alliance grant. (Gumz arrived - 9:05 AM)
Denny Siler from Elgin expressed his disappointment with the lack of answers from the County Clerk regarding the US Alliance grant.
Michelle Bettag from St. Charles reiterated the sentiment of previous public speakers. She expressed her disappointment with the lack of answers from the County Clerk regarding the US Alliance grant.
Kane County resident Terry Bauer expressed her concerns with the election process. She spoke on various political and social parties, as well as voting machines.
Marc Avelar from Algonquin spoke on election administration solutions to recent public concern, including creating a local election commission.
5. Finance
A. Monthly Finance Reports (attached)
The monthly finance reports are attached to the agenda. No oral report was made.
6. Recorder
A. Monthly Report (attached)
The monthly report is attached to the agenda. No oral report was made. 7. Treasurer / Collector
A. Monthly Report (attached)
Treasurer Lauzen stated that the monthly report is attached to the agenda. He highlighted the recent property tax collection rush. He commended his staff for their patience and efficiency during this season. Discussion ensued.
8. Supervisor of Assessments
A. Monthly Report (attached)
SOA Armstrong stated that the monthly report is attached to the agenda. He summarized the following resolution. Discussion ensued regarding land use and exemptions.
B. Authorizing the Hiring of an Appraisal Specialist in the Office of the Supervisor of Assessments
KC Finance and Budget Committee
RESULT: MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE
TO: KC Finance and Budget Committee
MOVER: Michelle Gumz
SECONDER: Anita Lewis
AYE: Jarett Sanchez, David Young, Michelle Gumz, Anita Lewis, Clifford Surges, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams
9. Regional Office of Education
Asst. ROE Supt. Oliver spoke about alternative school programs across the county. She spoke on the services and benefits provided to students. She noted the relationship with the Juvenile Justice System, as well as new opportunities for those being released. Discussion ensued.
10. Veteran's Assistance Commission
A. Monthly Report (attached)
VA Supt. Zimmerman stated that the monthly report is attached to the agenda. He highlighted that Veterans have received a record-breaking $481K in benefits for April 2023. He noted that the Ride in Kane program has started, which provides transportation to Veterans for VA medical appointments. Discussion ensued.
11. County Clerk
A. Monthly Report (attached)
Co. Clk. Cunningham addressed public concern regarding accepting US Alliance grant money. He announced his intention to create an election advisory board. He reiterated the oath he took to serve the people and his office to the best of his ability. He spoke on his background, objectives, and history with Kane County. He stressed that the decision to accept grant funding is his sole decision and that the County Board has no authority in the matter. He noted that he will be returning the funds that were previously accepted from the US Alliance for Election Excellence for legal reasons. He stated that he will be signing a new contract that has been vetted by the State's Attorney to accept funds from the US Alliance for Election Excellence. Some of these funds will be utilized for law enforcement and school safety during elections, as well as staff education. He invited constituents with further questions to visit his office. He noted that the county will be returning to paper ballots and cautioned the public to avoid misinformation. He detailed a number of services that the County Clerk's Office provides and expressed pride in his staff. He addressed the constituents in attendance and discussion ensued. He signed the document to rescind the initial grant funds from the US Alliance for Election Excellence, as well as the document accepting the new contract from the same party. He discussed his satisfaction with this grant funding group and expressed optimism in improving elections.
12. Other Business
Chairman Sanchez stated that a potential election commission will be researched and followed up on. Discussion ensued regarding the County Board's authority over the County Clerk's Office and subsequent resolutions.
A consensus vote to bring the two resolutions involving the County Clerk to the Executive Committee was requested and approved by roll call.
KC Executive Committee
RESULT: MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE
TO: KC Executive Committee
AYE: Jarett Sanchez, David Young, Clifford Surges, and Rick Williams NAY: Michelle Gumz, Anita Lewis, and Vern Tepe
ABSENT: Corinne M. Pierog
13. Executive Session (If Needed)
None.
14. Reports Placed On File
RESULT: APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
MOVER: Rick Williams
15. Adjournment
RESULT: APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE
MOVER: Clifford Surges
SECONDER: David Young
This meeting was adjourned at 10:21 AM.
https://www.countyofkane.org/MeetingMinutes/6653/23-6-22.pdf
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