McHenry County Law & Government/Liquor met March 30.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at: 8:30 AM by Jeffrey T Thorsen.
PRESENT: Thorsen, Nowak (Remote 8:31 AM), Althoff, Jung Jr., Phillips (Remote), Von Bergen (Remote 8:31 AM), Wegener (Remote), Wilbeck (Remote 8:31 AM)
ABSENT:
Also present: Peter Austin, County Administrator; Scott Hartman, Deputy County Administrator; Alicia Schueller, Communications and Project Manager; Sandra Salgado, Sheriff's Office Business Manager; Dr. Michael Rein, County Coroner; Dan Wallis, Trial Court Administrator.
2. MINUTES APPROVAL
Chairman Thorsen asked for a motion to amend the agenda. A motion was made by Ms. Althoff and seconded by Mr. Jung.
1. Law & Government/Liquor - Public Meeting - Feb 23, 2021 8:30 AM
The following was amended:
Packet page 5 of the meeting packet, Bullet Point four, should say “Ms. Wegener” instead of “Members”
Packet page 7 of the meeting packet. Added Ms. Wegener asked how the Sheriff’s Office study they started last fall was going for finding the best body cams for the Sheriff’s office.
Packet page 7 was amended to read: Adding that McHenry County has allocated $600,000 in the budget but that they have a responsibility to think about the smaller communities within the County.
| RESULT: ACCEPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Pamela Althoff SECONDER: John Jung Jr. AYES: Thorsen, Nowak, Althoff, Jung Jr., Phillips, Von Bergen, Wegener, Wilbeck |
The following was amended:
Packet page 10, fifth line up, "wanted to" was removed.
Packet page 11, the last line will now read; Chair Thorsen stated his understanding is that we have to stick to the language of the statute as written.
Packet page 12, No. 6, will now read: Chair Thorsen wanted to point out that not everyone is online nowadays.
| RESULT: ACCEPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Pamela Althoff SECONDER: John Jung Jr. AYES: Thorsen, Nowak, Althoff, Jung Jr., Phillips, Von Bergen, Wegener, Wilbeck |
None.
Chairman Thorsen stated they would now be moving to agenda item No. 6.A.1
4. MEMBERS' COMMENTS
None.
5. PRESENTATION
None.
Chairman Thorsen stated they would now be moving to item No. 6.A.2
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. Interviews
It was noted there were no applications received by the Crystal Lake Fire Protection District therefore the deadline to apply was extended another month.
1. 8:40 a.m. - Kurt Rodewald - McHenry Township Fire Protection District
Committee members introduced themselves and interviewed Kurt Rodewald for consideration for appointment to the McHenry Township Fire Protection District. It was noted that Mr. Rodewald meets the requirements as a member for the McHenry Township Fire Protection District.
Chairman Thorsen stated they would now be moving to agenda item No. 6.C.2
2. 8:50 a.m. - Allen Miller - McHenry Township Fire Protection District
Committee members introduced themselves and interviewed Allen Miller for consideration for appointment to the McHenry Township Fire Protection District. It was noted that Mr. Miller meets the requirements as a member for the McHenry Township Fire Protection District.
3. 9:00 a.m. - Nicholas Eschner - McHenry Township Fire Protection District
Mr. Eschner emailed staff the morning of the interview with the following message:
I regret to inform you that I will not be able to make my interview that was scheduled for today at 9:00 am. The interview is for a McHenry Township Fire Protection District Trustee Position. I apologize for the late notice. I appreciate your understanding. Again I am sorry for the late notice. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Respectfully,
Nicholas Eschner
4. 9:10 a.m. - William Pennock - McHenry Township Fire Protection District
Committee members introduced themselves and interviewed William Pennock for consideration for appointment to the McHenry Township Fire Protection District. It was noted that Mr. Pennock meets the requirements as a member for the McHenry Township Fire Protection District.
5. 9:20 a.m. - Joseph Krueger - McHenry Township Fire Protection District
Committee members introduced themselves and interviewed Joseph Krueger for consideration for appointment to the McHenry Township Fire Protection District. It was noted that Mr. Krueger meets the requirements as a member for the McHenry Township Fire Protection District.
6. 9:30 a.m. - Scott Logan - Harvard Fire Protection District
Committee members introduced themselves and interviewed Scott Logan for consideration for appointment to the Harvard Fire Protection District. It was noted that Mr. Logan meets the requirements as a member for the Harvard Fire Protection District.
7. 9:40 a.m. - Thomas Condon - Harvard Fire Protection District
Committee members introduced themselves and interviewed Thomas Condon for consideration for appointment to the Harvard Fire Protection District. It was noted that Mr. Condon meets the requirements as a member for the Harvard Fire Protection District.
8. 9:50 a.m. - Joshua Kelnhofer - Harvard Fire Protection District
Committee members introduced themselves and interviewed Joshua Kelnhofer for consideration for appointment to the Harvard Fire Protection District. It was noted that Mr. Kelnhofer meets the requirements as a member for the Harvard Fire Protection District.
9. 10 :00 a.m. - Pat Hughes - Fox River Grove Fire Protection District
Committee members introduced themselves and interviewed Pat Hughes for consideration for appointment to the Fox River Grove Fire Protection District. It was noted that Mr. Hughes meets the requirements as a member for the Fox River Grove Fire Protection District.
10. Motion: Deliberation and Selection of up to Two Candidates for Recommendation to the County Board Chairman for McHenry Township Fire Protection District on the Board of Trustees commencing May 3, 2021 and ending April 30, 2024.
A Motion was made by Ms. Althoff, seconded by Mr. Jung, to recommend the appointment of Kurt Rodewald as a member of the McHenry Township Fire Protection District with a Term commencing May 3, 2021 and ending April 30, 2024. The Motion passed on a roll call vote of all present members voting aye.
A Motion was made by Ms. Althoff, seconded by Mr. Jung, to recommend the appointment of Allen Miller as a member of the McHenry Township Fire Protection District with a Term commencing May 3, 2021 and ending April 30, 2024. The Motion passed on a roll call vote of all present members voting aye.
| RESULT: RECOMMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Pamela Althoff SECONDER: John Jung Jr. AYES: Thorsen, Nowak, Althoff, Jung Jr., Phillips, Von Bergen, Wegener, Wilbeck |
A Motion was made by Mr. Jung, seconded by Ms. Althoff, to recommend the appointment of Thomas Condon as a member of the Harvard Fire Protection District with a Term commencing May 3, 2021 and ending April 30, 2024. The Motion passed on a roll call vote of all present members voting aye.
A Motion was made by Mr. Jung, seconded by Ms. Althoff, to recommend the appointment of Joshua Kelnhofer as a member of the Harvard Fire Protection District with a Term commencing May 3, 2021 and ending April 30, 2024. The Motion passed on a roll call vote of all present members voting aye.
| RESULT: RECOMMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: John Jung Jr. SECONDER: Pamela Althoff AYES: Thorsen, Nowak, Althoff, Jung Jr., Phillips, Von Bergen, Wegener, Wilbeck |
A Motion was made by Mr. Nowak, seconded by Mr. Jung, to recommend the appointment of Pat Hughes as a member of the Fox River Grove Fire Protection District with a Term commencing May 3, 2021 and ending April 30, 2024. The Motion passed on a roll call vote of all present members voting aye.
Chairman Thorsen now moved to agenda item No. 6.B.1
| RESULT: RECOMMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Robert Nowak SECONDER: John Jung Jr. AYES: Thorsen, Nowak, Althoff, Jung Jr., Phillips, Von Bergen, Wegener, Wilbeck |
A Motion was made by Mr. Jung, seconded by Ms. Althoff, to recommend the appointment of Melinda Fanning as a member of the Sheriff's Merit Commission for a Term Commencing on April 2, 2021 and ending April 2, 2027. The Motion passed on a roll call vote of all present members voting aye. (absent was Phillips)
| RESULT: PRESENTED |
A Motion was made by Mr. Jung, seconded by Ms. Althoff, to recommend the appointment of Brian Kelly as a member of the Sheriff's Merit Commission for a Term Commencing on April 1, 2020 and ending April 1, 2026. The Motion passed on a roll call vote of all present members voting aye. (absent was Phillips)
Chairman Thorsen stated they would now be moving to agenda item No. 6.E
| RESULT: PRESENTED |
1. Motion: 10:20 a.m. - Interview Alexandra Collins - New owner LL#14 Lizzard Lounge, formerly Ed's Wonder Inn
Alexandra Collins, owner of Lizzard Lounge, joined the members and requested a change of name from Ed's Wonder Inn. located in Wonder lake, IL, to Lizzard Lounge, and a change of ownership after the passing of her father Michael Collins. Members reviewed all paperwork and found it to be in order.
| RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Pamela Althoff SECONDER: John Jung Jr. AYES: Thorsen, Nowak, Althoff, Jung Jr., Phillips, Von Bergen, Wegener, Wilbeck |
1. Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a New Dodge Durango for the County Coroner's Office and an Emergency Appropriation to the County Coroner's Fiscal Year 2021 Budget
Michael Rein, County Coroner, joined the committee members to discuss the resolution. Mr. Rein explained when he took office they looked over the items they felt they needed and what needed to be prioritized. Mr. Rein went on to explain they currently have a 2012 Tahoe and a 2015 Explorer but they come into issues only having two vehicles resulting in staff needing to use their own. The vehicle would cost close to $50,000 off the lot but with it being included in the fleet bid the cost is significantly less and noted it comes wired with coroner/police equipment. Mr. Rein informed the committee the cost of the vehicle would be coming out of the Coroner's Special Fund account and not the General Fund. The Special Fund account is funded by cremation permits and things of that nature that the Coroner is able to use at his discretions. Ms. Althoff questioned the balance of the Special Fund. Mr. Rein explained every County does cremation permits that cost $50 that are mandated by the State and the current balance in the fund is approximately $120,000. Going forward they will also be looking to use the Special Fund account for new software which will probably be around $10,000. Mr. Rein closed in saying adding the additional third vehicle will cut down on the mileage allowing them to rotate between the three vehicles. Currently, they put on about 30,000 miles a year, split between the three will allow them to keep them longer.
Chairman Thorsen stated they would now be moving to agenda item No. 6.C.4
| RESULT: RECOMMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: John Jung Jr. SECONDER: Thomas Wilbeck AYES: Thorsen, Nowak, Althoff, Jung Jr., Phillips, Von Bergen, Wegener, Wilbeck |
Sandra Salgado, Sheriff's Office Business Manager, joined the committee members to discuss the resolution. Ms. Salgado explained the resolution was for a full-body scanner for the booking area. Currently, it can take over 15 minutes to get through the booking process which includes asking questions, making sure there is nothing on their person, and performing additional searches. This scanner would provide a touchless scan and can also detect if something has been placed inside the body providing added safety for the booking officers and inmates. Ms. Salgado worked with Kevin Bueso, the Chief Financial Officer, regarding funding which will be provided through reimbursement of the CARES funds. Ms. Salgado also noted they did not go out to bid because it was on a GSA (General Services Administration) contract which also saves them a lot of time. Mr. Nowak questioned with it being an x-ray machine if there were any health concerns to the inmates or officers. Ms. Salgado explained the photo only takes four seconds and the rays are contained within the booth leaving the booking officer completely protected.
| RESULT: RECOMMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Pamela Althoff SECONDER: John Jung Jr. AYES: Thorsen, Nowak, Althoff, Jung Jr., Phillips, Von Bergen, Wegener, Wilbeck |
Sandra Salgado, Sheriff's Office Business Manager, joined the committee members to discuss the resolution. Ms. Salgado explained this resolution was to accept IC Solutions to provide the phone and video services for the inmates. They are nearing the end of the current contract with IC Solutions resulting in them going out to bid for an RFP (request for proposal) with the Purchasing Department. Seven vendors were invited out to the Sheriff’s Office with two being invited back a second time to provide demonstrations. During the demo’s the team concluded that IC Solutions was the vendor to move forward with. Ms. Salgado noted in the past they have broken the phones and video services out between separate vendors, and it did not work out very well. She also noted the contract does not cost the County any money. The vendors put in their hardware and provide the services, the County then gets commissions based on the inmate phone/video calls which then goes back into the inmate welfare. Ms. Wegener had concerns that one of the big factors on which vendor was chosen was based on the commission regardless that it was going back into the inmate welfare fund, noting that a lot of times the inmates come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Ms. Salgado stated that all the vendors offer commissions and they look at other items such as reporting, how they get data, how often it can be viewed, and what it looks like when being screened.
Chairman Thorsen stated they would now be moving to item No. 4
| RESULT: RECOMMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Thomas Wilbeck SECONDER: Pamela Althoff AYES: Thorsen, Nowak, Althoff, Jung Jr., Phillips, Von Bergen, Wegener, Wilbeck |
Dan Wallis, Trial Court Administrator, joined the committee to discuss the resolution. Mr. Wallis explained this was something the committee has seen previously, typically on a two to three-year plan. The court is statutorily mandated to have psychological assessments done for a number of different offenses. A few years ago there was no contract in place and they were getting multiple agencies and different costs for the same type of evaluation. In order to reduce costs and bring conformity to evaluations, they went out for an RFP resulting in Mathers Clinic being the lowest, responsive bidder. The resolution is for a one-year contract with an additional option year. The cost has been budgeted in their FY21 budget and typically the contract will cost around $70,000- $80,000 depending on what comes through the court system.
Mr. Wallis introduced Jill Gieseke, his new Deputy Court Administrator, and Morgan Burian, Court Finance Coordinator.
Ms. Phillips left the meeting at 10:45 a.m.
| RESULT: RECOMMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: John Jung Jr. SECONDER: Thomas Wilbeck AYES: Thorsen, Nowak, Althoff, Jung Jr., Phillips, Von Bergen, Wegener, Wilbeck |
1. Discussion - Legislative Update
Alicia Schueller, Communications and Project Manager, joined the committee for the legislative update. Ms. Schueller provided the committee members a handout titled; 102nd General Assembly Tracking as of March 29, 2021. Updates in Ms. Schueller's report included:
• March 26th was the deadline for both houses to get bills out of committee.
• Both chambers are on recess until April 13th.
• April 23rd is the deadline for bills to have their 3rd meetings.
• House Bill 1871 - Expands the election abilities for voting by mail and drop boxes. Jurisdictions now have the authority to continue to use such measures to encourage voting.
• House Bill 634 - DCFS bill was slipped on twice and a letter was submitted through County Board Chairman Buehler and LGL Chairman Thorsen.
• Three slips were submitted by Ms. Schueller for:
o House Bill 315 - Increasing local government distributive funding.
o House Bill 2950 - For bike paths which made it out of committee on time.
o House Bill 1899 - When there is a deadline in relocating utility the cost shall be paid by the utility company at the request of the County or State. This one made it out of the committee on time as well.
• House Bill 680 - Made it out of committee by the deadline and allows for local governments to ask for written cost estimates prior to selecting a professional service provider.
• House Bill 2433 - Made it out of committee and allows Health Departments to investigate nursing home complaints.
• Staff met with Joe McCoy, Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo), in regard to the township bills that were in committees as of last week. Fortunately, the legislation did not go through committees in time. Ms. Althoff noted that just because a bill doesn’t make it out of committee and was referred back to rules doesn’t mean it won’t come back as an amendment on an existing bill or part of a shell.
• Ms. Wegener asked for Ms. Schueller to add in the note’s column if the slips were a proponent or opponent so that is more transparent what the County’s stance is on it.
• Senate Bill 1666 - Legislation pushed by ISACo, to be able to give Counties the ability to have their Census data used in their redistricting. This did not make it out of committee on time but ISACo is continuing to pursue it.
• Senate Bill 1602 - Takes away some of the County’s ability to regulate wind energy and solar panels. Ms. Schueller is continuing to watch this bill.
• House Bill 436 - Was clarified that for new growth you would only receive 50% of the value of a new property. New growth was defined as something that has been created or built during that year that is now taxable.
2. Discussion - State Legislative Response Procedure
Ms. Schueller provided the committee with the draft process for McHenry County to Respond to State Legislation. The process commits to paper a way to respond to legislation going forward.
Ms. Althoff suggested they get into the habit of inviting the Fire District Board Presidents and new fire Chiefs to come in and give them periodic updates.
Chairman Thorsen stated they would now be moving to agenda item No. 6.A.13
E. Other
Scott Hartman, Deputy County Administrator, provided the committee with a Draft handout of the Framework of Township Dissolution Policy Options. Mr. Hartman explained that Chairman Buehler had asked the County Board to contemplate what policies they would like to carry forward if a Township were to dissolve. In the interest of that, County staff has prepared a working draft of the framework dissolution policy options.
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. REPORTS
None
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION (AS NECESSARY)
None
10. ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Althoff made a motion, seconded by Ms. Wegener, to adjourn the meeting at 11:04 a.m. The motion passed on a voice vote of all members present voting aye. (absent was Phillips)
https://mchenrycountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=4780&Inline=True
Alerts Sign-up