McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake Youth Commission met April 10

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

1. Call to Order

Commissioner Wolfe called the meeting to order at 4:06 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025.

2. Roll Call/Attendance

Commissioners Lauren Wolfe, Charlie Ann Benton, Leo Camasta, Theo Johnston, and Andrew Cioper were present.

City Councilmember Denise Smith, State’s Attorney Randi Freese, McHenry County Sheriff Robb Tadelman, and Deputy City Manager Nick Hammonds were also present.

3. Approval of Minutes from the March 13, 2025 Meeting

Commissioner Camasta moved to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2025 meeting.

Commissioner Johnston seconded. Upon voice vote, motion passed.

4. Public Presentation

Commissioner Benton asked if there was anyone in the public who wished to speak on an item not found on the agenda. No one wished to speak. Commissioner Benton closed public presentation.

5. Randi Freese, State’s Attorney; and,

6. Robb Tadelman, McHenry County Sheriff.

Councilmember Smith introduced Randi Freese, McHenry County State’s Attorney, and Robb Tadelman, McHenry County Sheriff. Ms. Freese stated that she was elected to her position last November and she has worked at the State’s Attorney’s Office for the past 15 years. She provided an overview of the functions of her job and the State’s Attorney’s Office. She stated that they prosecute crimes, represent the County Sheriffs as needed, and represent County Officials as needed.

Mr. Tadelman stated that he has been with the Sheriff’s Office for over 20 years. He was elected as the County Sheriff in 2023. He discussed the role of the County Sheriffs, including patrol operations, overseeing the County jail, proving security for the County courts, and serving papers as needed within the County.

Councilmember Smith asked how the County and City of Crystal Lake interact and support each other. Mr. Tadelman discussed the differences between incorporated and unincorporated areas. He stated that if Crystal Lake needs assistance, the County will come in. If the County needs assistance in an unincorporated area, the County may call Crystal Lake Police for assistance.

Mr. Hammonds asked how the State’s Attorney’s Office assists patrol officers. Mr. Tadelman stated that the County Sheriffs work with the State’s Attorney’s Office to secure and issue warrants for arrests. Ms. Freese stated that attorneys will carry a phone to be available for patrol officers to seek approval from the State’s Attorney’s Office if a felony occurs. The State’s Attorney must provide approval to charge a person with a felony. The attorneys will provide guidance regarding the case to make sure the charges will hold. 

Ms. Freese discussed how the State’s Attorney will prepare for court cases. She stated that the State’s Attorney will interact daily with the various police departments in the County. They work together to prosecute crimes by coordinating with the prosecutors and meeting with defense attorneys on cases.

Councilmember Smith stated that some of the Youth Commission members are considering law school in the future. Ms. Freese discussed her background and how she went from law school to interning at the State’s Attorney’s Office. She is in a new role as the top State’s Attorney overseeing the office. She is typically in court each day working on jury and bench trials. She recommended that the Youth Commission members should attend court cases to see how the process works.

Commissioner Johnston asked if the County Sheriffs offer ride-alongs. Mr. Tadelman stated that they offer ride-alongs for anyone over 18 years old. Commissioner Cioper asked if the State’s Attorney’s Office offers summer internships. Ms. Freese stated that there are a few options for summer internships and job shadowing. Ms. Freese and Mr. Tadelman shared their contact information with the Commissioners.

Councilmember Smith asked about the election process for Sheriff and State’s Attorney. Mr. Tadelman explained the navigation of the electoral process, securing ballot signatures, and how to communicate your position to the electorate, Ms. Freese and Mr. Tadelman discussed how there are state requirements for selecting a party to run on, but the duties of the Sheriff and the State’s Attorney are not political. Mr. Tadelman explained that the Sheriff is responsible for the public’s safety above all else.

Councilmember Smith inquired about the County Social Worker program and the specialty courts system. Mr. Tadelman discussed the history of the social worker program to help people find the resources they need. He said the program has been very successful since its creation seven years ago. He stated that 17 agencies in the County participate. The program helps people with mental health and other needs.

Ms. Freese discussed the specialty courts system, including drug court, DUI court, and mental health. She stated that the specialty courts are intended to keep people out of jail and find the help they need. The social workers are an integral part of the specialty courts.

Commissioner Johnston asked about juvenile court. Ms. Freese stated that there are two components to juvenile court. The first is for the juvenile offenders. The second component is for the adults or parents who need to get on the right track. The goal is to keep families together and get people the help they need to be productive members of society.

Councilmember Smith discussed safety in McHenry County generally. She stated that McHenry County is one of the safest in Illinois thanks to the efforts of the County Sheriffs and the State’s Attorney. Ms. Freese discussed how she is the first female State’s Attorney in County history.

7. School Surveys and Announcement

Deputy City Manager Hammonds provided an update regarding the youth survey responses. The Commissioners will continue to promote the survey at their schools. An update will be provided regarding the survey results at the May Commission meeting.

Mr. Hammonds showed a promotional video created by Ravinia in Highland Park. He stated that Mayor Haleblian suggested that the Youth Commission could develop a script and format for a promotional video for the City of Crystal Lake. The Commission discussed the concept and agreed to work on ideas for the video.

8. Open Discussion

None.

9. Adjourn

There being no further business, Commissioner Cioper moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:11 p.m.

Commissioner Camasta seconded the motion. On voice vote, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

https://www.crystallake.org/home/showpublisheddocument/24103/638799652345800000