McHenry Times

McHenry County Board Committee of the Whole met Nov. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. INTRODUCTORY ROLL CALL

Meeting called to order at: 9:01 AM by Chairman Michael Buehler.

PRESENT: Aavang, Acosta (Remote), Althoff (9:00 AM - 11:31 AM), Bates (9:00 AM - 12:36 PM), Collins (Remote), Doherty, Gottemoller (9:00 AM - 11:13 AM), Jindrich, Jung Jr., Kearns, Meshes, Nowak, Parrish, Schofield, Schwartz, Skala, Smith, Thorsen, Vijuk, Von Bergen, Wegener, Wilbeck (9:00 AM - 12:35 PM), Yensen (9:00 AM - 12:41 PM), Buehler

ABSENT: Phillips

Also present: Peter Austin, County Administrator; Scott Hartman, Deputy County Administrator; Kevin Bueso, Chief Financial Officer; Alicia Schueller, Communications and Projects Manager; Adam Wallen, Director of Planning & Development; Joe Tirio, County Recorder/Clerk; Sandra Salgado, Sheriff's Office Business Manager; Tom Burroughs, Director of Facilities; Carla Wyckoff, Assistant State's Attorney; Jana Blake, Principal Assistant State's Attorney; Dr. Michael Rein, County Coroner; Adam Letendre, Director of Purchasing; Shannon Teresi, County Auditor; Melissa Adamson, Health Administrator; David Christensen, Director of EMA; Jeremy Stull, Construction Manager/DOT; Scott Hennings, Assistant Director of Transportation; Joe Korpalski, County Engineer; Leanne Redden, RTA; Jon Paul Diipla, Transportation Planning Manager; Beth Skowronski, Maintenance Assistant Superintendent; Renee Hanlon, Planning Manager/Zoning Enforce Officer; Darrell Kuntz, Asst County Engineer; Cheryl Chukwu, Director of Human Resources; Erin Smith, McHenry County Representative for Pace; Mary Donner, Pace; Ben Szalinski, Shaw Media; Matt Apgar, Northwest Herald.

Mr. Skala made a motion, seconded by Dr. Yensen to accept the remote attendance of Mr. Collins and Mr. Acosta. The motion passed on a voice vote of all present members voting aye.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT

Full Comments can be heard on the McHenry County website audio starting at 0:01:58 Michael Rein - regarding Coroner Grant

5. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS

Full comments can be heard on the McHenry County website audio starting at 0:04:15

Chairman Buehler welcomed the Board and provided opening remarks including:

• Wishing every McHenry County resident who has served our nation in the armed forces a belated Happy Veterans Day.

• Application portal for Advance McHenry County went live the morning of November 1, 2021. Thanks to quick action from Communications and Project Manager Alicia Schueller the firm that they hired to help craft the communications strategic plan fashioned some outstanding branding in record time. The word has been spread through traditional media and social media.

• County Administration held two Town Hall meetings on November 9, 2021 for interested applicants and will hold two more next Monday. As of Wednesday they have received 38 applications from groups requesting project funding, which will be reviewed by County Administration and Bronner Group and the first batch of applications that pass the muster will be going to committee for approval as early as next month.

• Again, you can learn more about Advance McHenry County on our website at www.mchenrycountyil.gov/advance.

• Sharing great news, back in July, the McHenry County Coroner’s Office and County Administration worked together to apply for grant funding through the Office of Justice Programs, and agency of the US Department of Justice, to help the Coroner’s Office pursue accreditation. They had asked for just under $100,000 and found out on Wednesday that the Coroner’s Office will be receiving $113,175. The funding will help the Coroner’s Office modernize through staff training, developing best practices, purchasing new equipment, and modernizing its offices. Thank you to our Coroner, Dr. Michael Rein, and County Administration, for working together to make this happen, and to move the Coroner’s Office forward. As a housekeeping matter, there will be a resolution added to next Tuesday’s agenda under New and Unfinished Business to accept the funding.

• County Administration released the second episode of its McHenry County All Access video series last week. The latest installment features the Sheriff’s Office, and how all its different departments come together to protect and serve the people of McHenry County. The video has been posted to the County’s social media pages, as well as our YouTube page. Spoiler alert - I’m told that the next installment will feature Animal Control, so if watching cute animals puts a spring in your step, you’re going to want to follow McHenry County on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn so you don't miss it.

• Next Tuesday, we’re going to be voting to approve McHenry County’s budget and levy for the 2022 fiscal year that begins December 1. As a reminder to the public, both have been on public review since last month, and you can find on our website at www.mchenrycountyil.gov. This year, we’re displaying the budget with new software, Questica OpenBook, that gives the public the ability to take apart the $216.6 million budget and get as deep a look as they wish. I’d like to thank Chief Financial Officer Kevin Bueso and Assistant Director of Finance for Budgeting Kerri Wisz once again for their hard work.

• Our website has been updated with the five-year Strategic Plan we voted to approve last month, as well as the report card by which we and the public can track our progress in the six key issue areas. Last month, the County Board identified several new action items to be added to the issue areas of leadership and governance and environmental sustainability. Those additions are included on next Tuesday’s agenda.

• Several weeks ago, our State’s Attorney’s office filed a request in federal court for a preliminary injunction to postpone on the January 1, 2022 deadline to end our contract to hold immigration detainees while our lawsuit against the Illinois Way Forward Act is considered. The court has not yet ruled on our motion, and we will inform you when a decision is made.

• In honor of Veterans Day, I’d like to take a moment to thank the Veterans Assistance Commission for their work in helping a 94-year-old veteran get his pension. The veteran, who lives in an assisted living facility in McHenry, was a long-retired small businessman who outlived his money and couldn’t afford assisted living with Social Security and the savings he had left. The VAC helped the man’s son wage a three-year struggle with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, and I’m happy to report that the veteran got his pension. The son reached out to me the other day to tell me how lucky we are to have the VAC staff we do, and I couldn’t agree more. So thank you to Superintendent Mike Iwanicki and VAC employees Jane Dorfner, Victor Somoza and Jim Koch, for their compassion and their tenacity.

• Lastly, we will receive a presentation at our December 16, 2021 Committee of the Whole explaining the Division of Transportation’s quality-based selection process to hire for professional services. County Administration, the Purchasing Department, and the State’s Attorney’s Office are working with MCDOT to put this presentation together, and I’m looking forward to seeing it.

That’s all I have.

1. Pace Budget Presentation

Full comments can be heard on the McHenry County website audio starting at 0:10:15

Erin Smith, and Mary Donner, with the Board of Directors of Pace, along with Scott Hennings, Assistant Director of Transportation, joined the Board for the presentation.

2. RTA Budget Presentation

Full comments can be heard on the McHenry County website audio starting at 0:30:40

Leanne Redden, Executive Director or Regional Transportation Authority, joined the Board for the presentation.

6. NEW BUSINESS

1. Review of the November 16, 2021 County Board Agenda Items

Full comments can be heard on the McHenry County website audio starting at 0:41:15

Chairman Buehler asked for any items that Board members will remove in order to allow staff that is not necessary for questions to return to their departments.

ITEMS REMOVED FOR DISCUSSION

NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS

13.3 - Resolution Recommending Appointments to the Valley Hi Operating Standing Committee, removed for discussion by Ms. Schofield.

13.4 - Resolution Approving a Committee Structure for Incorporation into the December 2022 County Board Rules, removed for discussion by Ms. Schofield.

APPOINTMENTS

14.1 - Recommendation for Appointment to the McHenry County Mental Health Board as of November 16, 2021, not removed for discussion but corrected by Dr. Yensen due to error in name of the appointee.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

16.2.A.1 - Resolution Removing the Regional Superintendent of Schools from Office, removed for discussion by Ms. Meshes.

FINANCE & AUDIT

16.2.B.5 - Resolution Authorizing Continuing Annual Support and Maintenance of the ePollbooks with Robis Elections Inc. for the Period December 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021, removed for discussion by Ms. Schofield.

16.2.B.15 - Resolution Supporting the Reclassification, Creation, Salary Adjustments of Emergency Telephone System Board Positions and FY22 Budget Adjustment, removed for discussion by Ms. Parrish.

16.2.B.17 - Resolution Authorizing McHenry County to Enter into a Contract with Kiesler Police Supply Inc. , Ray O'Herron and Sunset Law Enforcement for Two Years (12/1/21- 11/30/22, 12/1/22- 11/30/23) for the purchase of duty and training ammunition in the Sheriff's Office, removed for discussion by Ms. Jindrich.

16.2.B.19 - Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Integrated Solutions Consulting to Conduct an Operations and Staffing Evaluation for the McHenry County Department of Health and Authorizing a Corresponding Emergency Appropriation to the FY 2021 Budget, removed for discussion by Mr. Schwartz.

16.2.B.26 - Resolution Approving the FY2022 Purchase and Appropriating Funds for Three Snow Plow Trucks for the Division of Transportation, removed for discussion by Ms. Parrish.

TRANSPORTATION

16.2.F.1 - Recommendation for the approval of an Engineering Services Agreement to Willett Hofmann & Associates, Inc., for Biennial Bridge Inspection Services, Section 22-00544- 00-BI, for a contract total not to exceed $400,000.00; Professional Services (Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors) vetted through a qualification based selection process in compliance with the Illinois Local Government Professional Services Selection Act, 50 ILCS 510/et., removed for discussion by Mr. Wilbeck.

16.2.F.8 - Resolution Awarding a Contract for FY2022 Road Weather Forecasting Services and Appropriating Funds, removed for discussion by Ms. Jindrich.

16.2.F.9 - Resolution Awarding a Contract for FY2022 Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) Cloud Based Software Lease Program and Appropriating Funds, removed for discussion by Ms. Jindrich.

16.2.F.10 - Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2022 Salt, removed for discussion by Mr. Wilbeck.

ORDINANCES

17.1.1 - Ordinance Amending Civil Fees to be Charged by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, removed for discussion by Mr. Vijuk.

17.2.1 - Annual Budget and Appropriations Ordinance for the County of McHenry, Illinois for the Fiscal Year December 1, A.D., 2021 through November 30, A.D., 2022, removed for discussion by Mr. Thorsen.

17.2.2 - An Ordinance Providing for the Levy of Taxes for McHenry County, Illinois for the Fiscal Year December 1, A.D., 2021 through November 30, A.D., 2022, removed for discussion by Mr. Schwartz.

DISCUSSION

NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS

13.3 - Resolution Recommending Appointments to the Valley Hi Operating Standing Committee Ms. Schofield wanted to mention a comment stating it was not against any of the members and she appreciates everyone who agreed to be on the committee but she did want to make aware the conscious effort of not duplicating the Chairman when choosing the standing committees before, as well districts one and four don’t have leadership roles on the committee structure. She feels when they place the leadership role it should be from one of those districts for the constituent’s sake. Ms. Jindrich concurs and inquired if they would ask members from districts one and four if they would like to be placed in a leadership role or if that is something the Chair of the Board would decide. Chairman Buehler stated that he would present his choice after taking into consideration the board’s recommendation.

Mr. Thorsen stated that the committee would not have existed without some conscious effort by certain individuals and he thinks that represents itself in the choices that were made to submit to the board. He wishes people would consider that, these are people who have been passionate about Valley Hi, including himself, and have fought a long fight to get to this point.

Mr. Kearns stated he is okay as it currently was presented, the first and fourth districts even not as a Chair have two representatives on each district that they are appointing. He is okay leaving it as it stands, and it is a good committee to set up.

Ms. Meshes stated she is not in a position to lead the committee but she is comfortable being on the committee, she does agree that districts one and four deserve leadership but she would not put her name in the hat for it.

Mr. Doherty stated that he fully endorses the way it has been proposed at the current time, as a district four representative he feels the leadership chosen is perfect for it.

Ms. Jindrich stated that if Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Nowak would also not be interested in a leadership role, she feels most of the board would be in agreeance with the way it stands.

Mr. Schwartz stated he feels Dr. Yensen does a great job at leading committees. Mr. Gottemoller stated the way it is set up is the way it should be, Dr. Yensen has been working on this for a long time and will do a fine job.

Mr. Nowak concurred with Mr. Gottemoller stating Dr. Yensen is perfect for that role. Ms. Parrish wanted to acknowledge that she appreciates that there are four members from Public Health & Community Services that are going to be on this committee because for the past year they have heard from Thomas Annarella at every meeting and it will be a good transition as Mr. Thorsen previously stated those who have been supporting the idea for a while will also be involved in the Valley Hi committee.

13.4 - Resolution Approving a Committee Structure for Incorporation into the December 2022 County Board Rules

Ms. Schofield stated she knows this came out of Administrative Services and it states consisting of six standing committees with nine members each, but it lists seven committees. As well she does not understand the line that states “proposed change will not affect the current committee’s structure, which includes the new Valley Hi Operating Committee”.

Mr. Gottemoller responded stated there was a significant amount of debate as to what to keep the numbers to, but this is what the committee decided at the end. It came down to the math, with eighteen board members and nine districts there will be one district representative on each committee and having each member serve on three committees. There will need to be discussion on how the committees are structured and responsibilities being moved around. He stated that during the meeting he did lose, his original preference was to have seven committees with seven members, but he was outvoted.

Ms. Schofield inquired that they are essentially creating a committee and, in a year, do away with that same committee. She stated she feels they are being hypocritical to create a committee and remove a committee in the same night, it does not register.

Mr. Thorsen stated he wished Mr. Gottemoller’s provision would’ve prevailed and he feels it makes sense that to structure committees on the basis of numbers and division is wrongheaded in the fact that we are forgetting the responsibilities of the two committees that are going supposed to be combined. He informed the board that one of the committees today was from the creation of putting three committees together from the old days, he is not convinced that either one of those is able to narrow down their conversations with regards to the issues that come before them so they can meet their timeframe and get business done. He stated he does not understand why the debate on whether some members have two committees and others have three is even a problem, in addition with each committee having nine members he does not see the point of even having committees at that time they may as well have Committee of the Whole meetings. He does not see the need for having half the board at each committee meeting.

Mr. Smith wanted to echo what Ms. Schofield and Mr. Thorsen had stated, that he does not understand why at the committee meeting it came as a recommendation but now it is a resolution. He believes having half the county board at each committee meeting is excessive, and regarding the committee numbers he thinks the resolution should be altered to state seven committees with seven members.

Ms. Meshes agrees and stated half the board on a committee is excessive. She does like the idea of having multiple Committee of the Whole meetings or analyzing how many positions the board has including liaison roles.

Mr. Kearns stated he is on the Administrative Services committee and he voted against the presented recommendation, his preference was with the seven committees and seven members. The discussion on combining current committees would’ve been Law, Government & Liquor and Administrative Services, both of which have been very busy this year. This is a starting point and they can come back and adjust this, but they cannot proceed with the rest of the board rules if they do not have a structure for the committees.

Ms. Jindrich stated that based on the comments from the board she would recommend that this go back to the Administrative Services committee or be tabled for some time since the Valley Hi committee is meeting for the first time next month, at the very least they should at least change the six committees to seven.

Mr. Gottemoller stated he would like the resolution to go forward with a decision and he is okay with whatever the board decides, his preference was the seven committees with seven members but the vote did not call for that during Administrative Services.

Ms. Wegener stated that they are not in a hurry with this, but it is evident that the original vote was passed and now many of the members are leaning towards another vote. She suggested tabling the resolution on Tuesday because they are not in a hurry to pass anything and they have a separate Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the item.

Dr. Yensen stated that there are other commissions and committees that are assigned to board members along with standing committees, which require additional responsibilities. She stated in the past some members have decided against taking on the role of other assignments due to other work considerations, she concurred with Ms. Wegener to table this until they have a further discussion on the matter.

Mr. Skala stated he does not like nine members on a committee, he believes that is too many. He is in favor of removing the item from the agenda so they do not have to discuss it at the County Board meeting, he feels the members that are on the Administrative Services committee have heard a lot from the discussion regarding the matter and if it goes back to committee there will be another productive discussion and new direction. He feels that as Board members they respect one another and as a district nine representative he does not see the importance of having a district nine board member on every committee. The expression of anything urgent can be brought up at the Committee of the Whole or even taken to individual committees for discussion. Regarding committees, he in in favor of seven even if that calls for some members having two meetings and others having three it does not matter. He would prefer not talking about the item again, so he recommends it going back to committee for another discussion and coming up with another scenario for the structure.

Mr. Vijuk stated he promoted the idea of the six committees with nine members each, he stated that with the assistance from Ms. Althoff the item was amended to state they would have one member from each district be represented on each committee. He stated his rational has to do with the numbers and positions that each member would be responsible for, stating that they have a duty to their constituents, families and to their employees.

Mr. Smith stated that the Chair of Administrative Services made it clear that he would like the item to move forward so they direction and can continue with the board rules when the time comes, if no other members do he stated he will be making an amendment at the board meeting to change the resolution to seven committees of seven members each.

Ms. Schofield stated that she appreciated all the comments and will be seconding Mr. Smith’s motion at the Board meeting.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

16.2.A.1 - Resolution Removing the Regional Superintendent of Schools from Office Ms. Meshes stated the resolution is very serious and it needs to be discussed, she wants to know in the event the resolution passes what the plan is for interim leadership in the ROE. Mr. Gottemoller stated they added a “Whereas” to the resolution due to criticism that they did not attempt to assist her in the past. He stated he has the records from 2020 which was the most significant time that shows exactly what the board had done in attempts to help her. On January 2nd 2020, staff hired someone at the county level to work with the finances and get them in order, in April 2020 she decided that she was not going to work with the Board anymore and had the money removed from the county’s control and put back in her control, which was her decision. They hired someone to specifically help straighten out the situation and she has declined the assistance, which is how its been over the last six years. One of the things that has triggered this was because back in 2019 when she submitted her initial submittal to the State of Illinois for the budget she forgot to report $243,000 worth of checks, they were found due to an audit but that is not something that should’ve happened.

Mr. Thorsen stated in back in July or August the county auditor presented an audit at the Finance & Audit committee on the decentralized accounts and the ROE, at that time there was a reoccurring response from the ROE that had to do with things that happened years past which had to do with the prior Chairman of the board. He stated that he requested from the ROE Superintendent to return to the following meeting and respond to the audit findings in a meaningful way and correct the situation. Those are the things they have done and requested, which were refused multiple times and at the end of the day as a board they are responsible, and something needs to be done.

Ms. Wegener stated this resolution is not to be taken lightly at all, and as Mr. Thorsen had mentioned at the Finance & Audit committee they have received audit after audit year after year with multiple findings and there was a repeated response that was more of a disregard to the reporting to the County board which they are responsible for. In the past couple of meetings there has been no attendance from the ROE Superintendent to discuss the issues and address the findings on her responsibilities, she finds that very troubling because if she took it as a serious issue she would address it. They are elected to be responsible for certain things, but they are not immune to consequences if this was an ordinary business that person would not be in leadership a minute longer. She stated as a former auditor and having audit findings and meetings with companies there is almost always a response to findings especially findings this large. She concluded stating this is not being taken lightly but it is time to decide and correct the issues.

Dr. Yensen stated this issue has continued for quite some time and she concurs with what her fellow members have stated on the matter. She feels this was long time coming and the office could be much more than what is currently is with providing services and creating solutions in our education system. She stated that there were many members who had offered to mentor Ms. Schermerhorn in the areas of Finances on top of hiring individuals to make her successful in her office and nothing came of it. She mentioned that she does not take relieving her of her responsibilities lightly but it is in the best interest of the County, the people that they serve, the students, the faculty at all the school districts, it behooves them to make the right decision to release her of her responsibilities.

Ms. Jindrich wanted to echo her fellow members and does agree it is of utter importance to discuss a matter when they are debating on removing an elected official of their duties. One of the comments that she has continuously heard from the ROE is that they answer to the State and not the County but if you look at the state audit filing dates those as well were not followed. The last reported date was nine months delayed they as well are seeing 150 misallocated funds along with hundreds of thousands of dollars not reported correctly. As a board they have the authority to receive reports from the ROE Superintendent quarterly on the education in the community, and she believes last week to be the first time she received a report from the ROE, granted she has not been on the board for a year but she is aware that this is the first report received from the ROE in years.

Mr. Vijuk wanted a point of clarity from member Meshes regarding the process that the Board, which was mentioned by member Jindrich stating that the Board has sixty days to appoint someone in the vacant position. He inquired to Administration if the Board does vote to remove the ROE Superintendent if her direct subordinate have the ability to sign any sort of documents or would they utilize another Regional Office to sign documents that would be required. Mr. Austin stated his understanding is that the Assistant ROE Superintendent has that authority.

Mr. Collins inquired if they vote to remove the ROE Superintendent if that would prohibit her from running for reelection in 2022. Chairman Buehler stated he would not believe so. Mr. Collins then stated that they could be posed with the same issue in another year.

FINANCE & AUDIT

16.2.B.5 - Resolution Authorizing Continuing Annual Support and Maintenance of the ePollbooks with Robis Elections Inc. for the Period December 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021

Ms. Schofield inquired under the “Now Therefore It Be Resolved” it states, “for the continuing annual support and maintenance of the ePollbooks effective December 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021 at a cost not to exceed $48,750”. She wanted to inquire if the listed dates are correct. Mr. Tirio stated that the ePollbooks is a device used by most election judges to check people in when they get to the polling locations. He has been working with them for most of the year to get a new contract, which he just received in his email the night prior. It does cover through this year and they have already performed the service.

16.2.B.15 - Resolution Supporting the Reclassification, Creation, Salary Adjustments of Emergency Telephone System Board Positions and FY22 Budget Adjustment

Ms. Parrish stated that she reflects to the discussions on the Salary Study that was voted on last month, they have had several reclassifications come forward and the Health Department study on operations was removed for later discussion. With that she inquired if Human Resources can provide a summary on how many reclassifications have had to be conducted in a years-time or trends because she feels sometimes they comingle these ideas when they should not be and she herself tends to think, why another reclassification. Ms. Chukwu stated that they have had a lot of reclassifications over the last two years, part of them are because the positions have been modified through reorganization, therefore they would reclassify because they either took on additional functions or required a new certification. Regarding the last year there are more resolutions coming forward for reclassification, not to be reclassified but more to reassign pay grades. She does not have exact numbers, but she is aware that they have increased over the last couple of years.

Ms. Schofield stated she wanted to clarify that ETSB functions separate.

Mr. Thorsen inquired about the ETSB process, if they had a resolution that he cannot remember and if they had to have an outside source as well. Mr. Christensen stated that they worked with Ms. Chukwu and identified GovHR and brought them in to do both studies, one for the work and the other for compensation after doing a comparison amongst counties.

16.2.B.17 - Resolution Authorizing McHenry County to Enter into a Contract with Kiesler Police Supply Inc. , Ray O'Herron and Sunset Law Enforcement for Two Years (12/1/21- 11/30/22, 12/1/22- 11/30/23) for the purchase of duty and training ammunition in the Sheriff's Office Ms. Jindrich inquired about the statement “ammunition for training at the Sheriff’s outdoor shooting range”. She stated last month they voted for the Cary shooting range, she inquired if this ammunition is being used for the indoor Cary and outdoor shooting range. Ms. Salgado stated that the contracts are for one or two years and the ammunition currently is going to be used at the outdoor range. They had another year on the contract, but the termination clause was taken advantage of, which forced the Sheriff’s office to go out for bid again and their prices went up tremendously. Ms. Jindrich stated she does see that both items are in the budget, but she did want clarification. Ms. Meshes wanted clarity that the previous company cancelled their contract and wanted to know if Kiesler Police Supply INC. was that company and how they were selected. Ms. Salgado confirmed that it was. Ms. Salgado stated it is a money and it was a bid so they were required to go with the lowest responsive responsible bidder of which they received three responses and they are contracting with all three vendors because they all bid on different ammunition that was in the bid. The ammunition that Kiesler bid on was the only responsible bidder for that ammunition. Ms. Jindrich stated that one of the items in the Background and Discussion portion of the resolution states “In order to ensure the safety and security of our citizens, staff must train with ammunition that weighs, sounds and fires like the department’s duty ammunition.” She mentioned that she understands and supports that as well as the ammunition costing roughly $110,000, but she does want to bring up body cameras if they are referencing the safety and security of citizens and staff. Ms. Salgado wanted to respond to that stating the body cameras are going to be mandatory by law in 2023, is budgeted but outside of the Sheriff’s office general budget it is in the capital improvement plan and they are hopefully looking to bring something to the Board by the beginning of the second quarter.

16.2.B.19 - Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Integrated Solutions Consulting to Conduct an Operations and Staffing Evaluation for the McHenry County Department of Health and Authorizing a Corresponding Emergency Appropriation to the FY 2021 Budget

Mr. Schwartz stated he has the same questions and comments that he has made in previous committee meetings, which is why they always must hire an outside consultant to do a study on matters. To him it seems ridiculous to spend $72,000 to conduct a study on whether they need additional staff and it seems to be a waste of money. He would rather a proposal come forward with information on what staff would like to do instead of hiring outside staff to do so.

Ms. Adamson stated it would be more of a third-party neutral perspective party to come in and look at the data and bring forward recommendations. Mr. Schwartz inquired if the additional staff would be there to enforce the freedoms that have been taken away, such as masking and things of that nature. Ms. Adamson stated that is not at all the purpose of the resolution, it is more to understand what the right size of the department should be. They are looking at the bigger picture of the types of services they currently offer, the ones they were mandated to do, as well as essential services. She referred to 2015 prior to her coming to the County, they had reduced their staffing significantly, throughout covid-19 they had to increase staff.

Mr. Thorsen wanted to echo what Mr. Schwartz had mentioned, stating that he understands what Ms. Adamson is aiming to do but he does not understand why they need to spend $72,500 to find out what is needed in the Health Department. He stated that maybe he is lacking input from management to state what the weaknesses are and what they are limited to in that department. He inquired if the Health Department has recently conducted a strategic plan of its own, and he feels they should not hire third-party consultants unless they have a very salient objective. His concern is that he looks at the resolution and he see something else that is driving it and maybe it is a need for more hands on if so, he would like that to be spelled out up front.

Ms. Parrish wanted to continue Mr. Thorsen’s point and inquired if this study is going to suggest that they need more staff, if that is removed from the equation, she inquired what else Ms. Adamson is looking for and what is not working currently that they would need to utilize the third-party to assist figuring that out. Ms. Adamson stated they have been working on a strategic plan which they will be wrapping up around the beginning of the year due to that being a requirement of their certification from the state. In terms of not only adding staff, but what mix of staff they have and need, if they look at the additions of the covid response there will be covid recovery. There are areas that they are already seeing increases, so they want to be sure they are staffed in the correct way, whether a third party must get involved. In regard to work location they are currently staffed out of three buildings and four different office spaces, part of this was having a conversation at the Board of Health level and how they can analyze that and use the opportunity of covid to restructure the organization, or whether or not the county has alternative space needs for the health department to have everyone under one roof. Ms. Parrish stated if an assumption can be made on what the outcome might be it seems as though it is a space analysis as opposed to the thought of needing more staff. Ms. Jindrich concurs with Mr. Schwartz, and her concern is the $72,500 that would be allocated mentioning that she voted against the resolution at the PHCS committee and she shares the same reasons. One being the return on investment which information for has never been received, there is no data provided to the members, and she inquired if inside management could handle the project by coming together and bringing the board their recommendations on spacing for the Health Department. Ms. Adamson stated she is not sure how to respond to the inquiry regarding the return on investment, but on the topic of data she inquired if Ms. Jindrich is looking for background on the organization. Ms. Jindrich stated that she is looking at the third-party vendor to see if they have any data to provide that shows how much they normally save their clients or what they are able to provide to the client long term regarding savings. Mr. Hartman stated that they can follow up with the recommended consultant to see if they have that data available, which will be germane to the type of study they work with. As for the return on investment the study is going to be unique to the McHenry County Health Department and in the committee Ms. Jindrich has requested other studies throughout the county organization that have been conducted, and they are reviewing that assessment, but he would caution the board to keep in context the scope of the services. The purpose of this is to understand in a post pandemic world what the Health Department should look like from a staffing standpoint. There are no preconceived notions or outcomes as to what they are looking to begin except for the right suggested size for the Health Department as they enter the post pandemic world, knowing that they have to maintain a level of readiness because of the pandemic experience and to understand the services that they provide and how they can be provided.

Ms. Schofield stated that she completely supports the resolution and every vote that they have been taking in the PHCS committee that is associated with the Health Department and adding additional staffing she has asked the question before. How are they going to respond after the positions are no longer needed or where are the positions going to go, she thinks this is actually bringing in a company to come in and look at all the positions that have been created in response to the pandemic and now it’s to assess what those positions look like as they move forward. She states no offense to the Health Department but they can only answer questions for the way they know how they currently operate, but she is hoping a consultant can bring in different perspectives and see how the industry will be handling how things move forward and optimize the department and make it more efficient in hopes that the space needs can be addressed because from an efficiency standpoint of staffing and function in the building locations she does not think that can be handled in house because that is a task that would be focused solely on McHenry County and having the outside perspective of what is going on throughout the Country has validity. She stated that she has the opposite perspective than the members who have spoken and she hopes they find a more efficient way of operating rather than a less efficient way.

Mr. Collins wanted to echo what Ms. Schofield and stated the Health Department has gone through a large amount of change with covid and it is time to make updates to be sure staff can respond quickly, add people make alterations, anything that is necessary to get the county through covid. He stated this is a small price to pay to try and look at what a large department would look like after covid and get it done correctly.

Ms. Wegener stated she agrees with Mr. Collins and Ms. Schofield and the pandemic did bring forward many issues that they may not have realized and there could have been things that were missed because it was easier to work around. She would like to suggest Administration and Ms. Adamson bring forward some type of strategic plan data as well as statistics on the staff work time, such as overtime and waisted time due to the Health Department not working in the same location.

After the discussion of item 16.2.B.19, Chairman Buehler called the meeting into a break at 11:20 a.m. audio time of 2:19:32. The meeting then resumed at 11:30 a.m.

16.2.B.26 - Resolution Approving the FY2022 Purchase and Appropriating Funds for Three Snow Plow Trucks for the Division of Transportation

Ms. Parrish wanted to confirm that the purchase order quote from JX Truck Center where is states quantity one in the resolution attachment for $140,127.05 is for quantity three because it represents the three vehicles they are looking to purchase.

TRANSPORTATION

16.2.F.1 - Recommendation for the approval of an Engineering Services Agreement to Willett Hofmann & Associates, Inc., for Biennial Bridge Inspection Services, Section 22-00544- 00-BI, for a contract total not to exceed $400,000.00; Professional Services (Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors) vetted through a qualification based selection process in compliance with the Illinois Local Government Professional Services Selection Act, 50 ILCS 510/et.

Mr. Wilbeck stated he wanted to continue his same comments regarding the RFQ process, here is another $400,000 without going to bid, he stated at the Board meeting he will be removing the resolution and voting no.

16.2.F.8 - Resolution Awarding a Contract for FY2022 Road Weather Forecasting Services and Appropriating Funds

Ms. Jindrich wanted to clarify that the county normally uses the remote weather information system to forecast weather, snow, and ice removal activities. She wanted to inquire about the $25,000 per year for the contract and if they have data for how accurate it is.

Mr. Korpalski stated they do not have exact data; they solely provide the weather and they decide from a staffing perspective.

Ms. Aavang wanted to state that DTN is a very reputable company farmers use DTN for decades, but it is really one tool that they use, which is constantly updated and very reliable. Ms. Bates stated she concurs with Ms. Aavang and her wisdom regarding the DTN company.

16.2.F.9 - Resolution Awarding a Contract for FY2022 Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) Cloud Based Software Lease Program and Appropriating Funds

Ms. Jindrich stated it was essentially answered on the previous resolution’s discussion.

16.2.F.10 - Resolution Appropriating Funds for FY2022 Salt

Mr. Wilbeck originally pulled the item, but it was decided that it will not be discussed.

ORDINANCES

17.1.1 - Ordinance Amending Civil Fees to be Charged by the Clerk of the Circuit Court Mr. Vijuk stated that he noticed there were changes on pages two and three and he wants to know if these costs are determined by the state of Illinois. Mr. Austin stated that the ranges are determined by the state, but we do have some local control. Mr. Vijuk then inquired on the civil filing fee change from $161 to $200 and he wanted to know if there will be any other changes beyond those. Mr. Austin stated he is not aware of any at the current time. Mr. Vijuk then stated his concern is that the changes go from about a 10% amount to 20% and his wonders if that is a bit high. He stated that people who are financially strapped may be eligible for the fees to be waived and he wanted to know who will be the one to waive them. Mr. Austin stated that Judges do that.

Ms. Meshes inquired about how residents of the county are made aware of assistance that we provide for financial hardships. Mr. Austin wanted to make the board aware that they will not be voting on this item on Tuesday because it is on 30-Day review and during that time he will gather more information to provide the members.

17.2.1 - Annual Budget and Appropriations Ordinance for the County of McHenry, Illinois for the Fiscal Year December 1, A.D., 2021 through November 30, A.D., 2022

Mr. Thorsen stated that he will be voting no and wanted to make the members aware of why, because he does not believe in endorsing a budget that they know has items in it that are unrealistic regarding autopsy fees in the coroners office. He would like to see the process change in the next year.

Mr. Nowak stated he is not in favor of the budget either and will be voting no on the ordinance as well. Mr. Schwartz wanted to concur with the previous members, he does not support this either and will be voting no.

17.2.2 - An Ordinance Providing for the Levy of Taxes for McHenry County, Illinois for the Fiscal Year December 1, A.D., 2021 through November 30, A.D., 2022

Mr. Thorsen does not support this ordinance either.

7. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

Full comments can be heard on the McHenry County website audio starting at 3:32:35

Peter Austin, County Administrator, stated that he will save the report for the Tuesday night Board meeting, but he did want to note that NBC5 will be interviewing the Community Development Administrator Hans Mach around 5pm.

8. OTHER

None

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION (IF NECESSARY)

Mr. Vijuk made a motion, seconded by Mr. Thorsen, to enter into Executive Session at 12:49 p.m. The motion passed on a voice vote of all present members voting aye.

Mr. Doherty made a motion, seconded by Ms. Parrish, to exit Executive Session and enter back into Regular Session at 12:59 p.m. The motion passed on a voice vote of all present members voting aye.

It was the consensus of the Board to move the Executive Session minutes from 10/14/2021 forward to the State's Attorney's Office for review.

10. MOTION TO ADJOURN

A Motion was made by Ms. Meshes, Seconded by Ms. Parrish to adjourn the meeting. The Motion passed on a voice vote of all present members voting aye, the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 PM (absent was Althoff, Wilbeck, Yensen, Acosta, Collins, Bates and Gottemoller). -TCMcKinnon

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