Will County Board met November 21

By Michael Abella

Jan 21, 2020

Will County Board met Nov. 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Executive Walsh called the meeting to order at 9:45 a.m.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

Member Koch led the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. INVOCATION

Member Koch introduced the Clergy, Pastor Herb Brooks, Jr. of St. John Missionary Baptist Church.

IV. ROLL CALL

V. DECLARING QUORUM PRESENT

VI. MOTION TO PLACE ON FILE CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION

RESULT: APPROVED [24 TO 0]

MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

SECONDER: Mark Ferry, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

AYES: Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tuminello, Weigel, Ferry, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

NOT VOTING: Newquist

VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Will County Board - Recessed Meeting - Oct 17, 2019 9:30 AM

RESULT: APPROVED [24 TO 0]

MOVER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Beth Rice, District 3 (D - Bolingbrook)

ABSENT: Tyson

NOT VOTING: Newquist

2. EX Session County Board Minutes 17oct19

RESULT: APPROVED [24 TO 0]

MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

ABSENT: Tyson

NOT VOTING: Newquist

VIII. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ELECTED OFFICIALS AND MEDIA PRESENT

Elected Officials present: Auditor, Duffy Blackburn; Circuit Clerk, Andrea Lynn Chasteen; County Clerk, Lauren Staley Ferry; County Executive, Larry Walsh; Recorder of Deeds, Karen Stukel; State’s Attorney, James Glasgow; Treasurer, Tim Brophy and State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant

Media present: Southtown, Alice Fabbre; Farmers Weekly Review, Nick Reiher; and Herald News, Alex Ortiz

IX. HONORARY RESOLUTIONS / PROCLAMATIONS

1. Recognizing Mike Hennessey on 30 Years with United Way of Will County

RESULT: APPROVED [24 TO 0]

MOVER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora)

SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

ABSENT: Tyson

NOT VOTING: Newquist

2. Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Zonta International

Member Winfrey stated it’s a pleasure this morning to be able to award this recognition in honor of the 100th anniversary of Zonta International.

On behalf of the Zonta Club of Joliet, we are pleased and honored to receive this recognition of our 100th year anniversary of Zonta International. I will repeat a little bit of the information that Member Winfrey just said. The federation of Zonta Club was organized in New York on November 8, 1919. We have a membership internationally of 30,000 members. Zonta International is headquartered in Oak Brook Illinois. The Zonta Club of Joliet was chartered in 1973. Zonta is united worldwide to fight violence against women and girls. We envision the world where no woman lives in fear of violence. We hope that you have received our email invitation to join us to participate in one of our initiatives on November 25. Please join us at the Will County Courthouse for the lighting ceremony, “Orange the World,” in conjunction with our 16 days of activism, November 25 through December 10. We, Zonta, extend special thanks to Will County Executive offices, the Board of Commissioners and the Chief of Staff’s office, only to mention we are extremely grateful to Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Dave Tkac who listened, planned, and guided our advocacy chair Ms. Mary Baudino each step of the way to make “Orange the World” lighting ceremony a reality. We also want to thank Gilbane Construction Company because we decided that this could be done and I just really applaud Mr. Dave Tkac for listening to us and taking this to you. We are so appreciative. Behind me we have Ms. Mary Baudino who is our advocacy chair. I think to the left of me Ms. Mary Baudino, the advocacy chair, Ms. Christine Schlisman who is our corresponding secretary and Ms. Terry King, whom all of you seem to know. Again, we are very appreciative of this. We hope that you will join us because certainly this is an inaugural initiative, especially to light up that beautiful, wonderful building. Thank you, have a great day.

RESULT: APPROVED [24 TO 0]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Amanda Koch, District 2 (D - Frankfort)

ABSENT: Tyson

NOT VOTING: Newquist

X. OLD BUSINESS

Status of Unsigned or Returned Resolutions/Ordinances by the County Executive

All Resolutions approved at the October 17, 2019 County Board Meeting have been signed by the County Executive

XI. NEW BUSINESS

A. Appointment by the County Executive

1. Appointment for County Board District #1

Member Winfrey stated thank you Executive Walsh. I request that Ms. Sherry Newquist be placed in the position of District One Commissioner and I so move.

RESULT: APPROVED [24 TO 0]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

ABSENT: Tyson

NOT VOTING: Newquist

2. County Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry to Swear in Sherry Newquist

3. Motion to Seat Newly Appointed County Board Member Sherry Newquist

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tuminello, Weigel, Ferry, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

XII. LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - T. MARCUM, CHAIR

Member Marcum stated thank you Executive Walsh. It’s good to see you up there again.

Open Public Hearing for all Land Use Cases

RESULT: APPROVED [24 TO 0]

MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Ray Tuminello, District 12 (R - New Lenox)

AYES: Newquist, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tuminello, Weigel, Ferry, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

AWAY: Ogalla

PLEASE BE ADVISED: ABSOLUTELY NO NEW EVIDENCE OR INFORMATION WILL BE ALLOWED ONCE THIS LAND USE PUBLIC HEARING IS CLOSED.

Executive Walsh stated we have four cases today. Case ZC-19-043, ZC-19-050, ZC- 19-051 and ZC-19-057. We have one person signed up to speak on ZC-19-057. Mr. Dimitri Zografos.

Mr. Dimitri Zografos stated only here for questions, sir. Executive Walsh stated anyone from the public wishing to speak on any of the zoning cases?

Close Public Hearing for all Land Use Cases

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Ray Tuminello, District 12 (R - New Lenox)

ABSENT: Tyson

1. Ordinance Amending the Will County, Illinois Zoning Ordinance Adopted and Approved September 9, 1947 as Amended, Zoning Case ZC-19-043, LaGrange Garden, LLC, Owner of Record, (Tom Pleckham and Bryan Thrun, each 50% Interest) and Donald Cass Wennlund of Wennlund & Associates, Attorney, Requesting (S-19-010) Special Use Permit for Heavy Equipment Sales/Rentals, for (part of) Pin #18-13-08-100-012-0000, in Green Garden Township, Commonly Known as 24149 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort, IL, County Board District #2

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Amanda Koch, District 2 (D - Frankfort)

ABSENT: Tyson

PZC: 5-0 Appr SUP for Heavy Equip Sales/Rentals w/2 Conditions

LUD: 6-0 Appr SUP for Heavy Equip Sales/Rentals w/2 Conditions

2. Ordinance Amending the Will County, Illinois Zoning Ordinance Adopted and Approved September 9, 1947 as Amended, for Zoning Case ZC-19-050, John Zajicek, Owner of Record, David J. Denler of Denler Inc., Agent Richard Kavanagh of Kavanagh, Grumley & Gorbold LLC, Attorney, Requesting (M-19-010) a Zoning Map Amendment from A-1 to I-2, for Pin #30-07-13-400-030-0000, in Joliet Township, Commonly Known as Vacant Property on Burke Drive, Joliet, IL, County Board District # 8

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Ray Tuminello, District 12 (R - New Lenox)

ABSENT: Tyson

PZC: 5-0 Appr Map Amendment from A-1 to I-2

LUD: 6-0 Appr Map Amendment from A-1 to I-2

3. Ordinance Amending the Will County, Illinois Zoning Ordinance Adopted and Approved September 9, 1947 as Amended, for Zoning Case ZC-19-051 Cherry Hill I-80 LLC; Owner of Record, David J. Denler 100% Interest, David J. Denler of Denler Inc., Agent, Richard Kavanagh of Kavanagh, Grumley & Gorbold LLC, Attornery, Requesting (M-19-011) Zoning Map Amendment from A-1 to I-2, for Pin #30-07-13-400-036-0000, in Joliet Township, Commonly Known as Vacant Property on Cherry Hill Road, Joliet, IL, County Board District #8

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Gloria Dollinger, District 10 (R - Joliet)

ABSENT: Tyson

PZC: 5-0 Appr Map Amendment from A-1 to I-2

LUD: 6-0 Appr Map Amendment from A-1 to I-2

4. Ordinance Amending the Will County, Illinois Zoning Ordinance Adopted and Approved September 9, 1947 as Amended, for Zoning Case ZC-19-057, LAZ Equities LLC, d/b/a Will County Storage LLC, Owner of Record (Elias Zografos 73% Interest and Brian Liston 27% Interest), Dimitri Zografos, Agent and Brian Liston of Liston & Tsantilis, Attorney, Requesting (M-19-014) Zoning Map Amendment from C-3 to I-1, (S-19-016) Special Use Permit for a Storage Yard, Outdoor and a (S-19-017) Special Use Permit for a Self-Service Storage Facility, for Pin #30-07- 25-300-058-0000, in Joliet Township, Commonly Known as 1711 E. Laraway Road, Joliet, IL, County Board District # 8

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Ray Tuminello, District 12 (R - New Lenox)

ABSENT: Tyson

PZC: 5-0 Appr Map Amendment from C-3 to I-1

PZC: 5-0 Appr SUP for Outdoor Storage Yard w/7 Conditions

PZC: 5-0 Appr SUP for Self-Service Storage Facility w/2 Conditions

LUD: 6-0 Appr Map Amendment from C-3 to I-1

LUD: 6-0 Appr SUP for Outdoor Storage Yard w/7 Conditions

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

ABSENT: Tyson

LUD: 6-0 Appr SUP for Self-Service Storage Facility w/2 Conditions

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

ABSENT: Tyson

XIII. LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS

Next Land Use & Development Committee Meeting is Scheduled for December 10, 2019 @ 10:30 a.m.

XIV. FINANCE COMMITTEE - K. HARRIS, CHAIR

Member Harris stated good morning Executive Walsh. Good morning fellow County Board members and all in attendance.

1. Monthly Financial Reports to be Placed on File

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Mimi Cowan, District 11 (D - Naperville)

ABSENT: Tyson

2. PUBLIC HEARING RE: 2020 Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of the County of Will, State of Illinois for the Fiscal Period Beginning December 1, 2019 and Ending November 30, 2020.

Member Harris stated we are in public hearing for the 2020 Annual Budget. A total of 624 million, it was 230 million in the corporate fund and (inaudible) in the special fund. It meets all of our debt obligations. It contributes (inaudible) to the opec fund and a dedicating funding of 4 million to the IMRF accelerated payments. The total levy amount is 129 million, an increase of 3.7 million that includes the CPI and new property. Overall for the tax levy rate is a decrease over last year and it’s the fifth year in a row it’s going down. The (inaudible) capital plan and also the license (inaudible) are down. That’s some of the highlights of this budget. We’ve been going since March of 2018 with various workshops and (inaudible) department heads and County Board members and others. So that’s what we have in front of us.

Executive Walsh stated this is a public hearing. Anybody want to ask questions on the budget? Anybody want to make any comments in the general public?

Mr. Leon Ausec expressed concern over proposed gas taxes.

Mr. Nick Ficarello expressed concern over proposed gas taxes. Mr. Drew Macfarlane expressed concern over proposed gas taxes.

Motion to Close Public Hearing

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora)

ABSENT: Tyson

3. 19-302 Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of the County of Will, State of Illinois, for the Fiscal Period Beginning December 1, 2019 and Ending November 30, 2020

Member Ogalla stated thank you so much. A lot of times when we get these conversations and I’m always in support of our residents. I think we always need to look at taking less than the full CPI. The CPI increased to our residents. They’re already paying more just to live in the County and I think we should have always taken that into consideration and that we should not take the full CPI so I will be a no vote on the entire budget and levy for that reason. Thank you.

Member Gould stated good morning Executive Walsh, good to see you. Just for clarification purposes, Member Harris, we’re not voting on a gas tax today, correct?

Member Harris stated I didn’t hear you.

Member Gould stated we had some speakers here today. We are not voting on a gas tax today? That’s not part of our agenda, correct?

Member Harris stated that’s correct.

Member Gould stated and that’s not part of Ordinance 19-302 either?

Member Harris stated correct.

Member Gould stated I just wanted to clarify that so that everybody knew that was not part of today’s agenda. Thanks.

Executive Walsh stated thank you Member Gould.

Member Balich stated I just sit back and think to myself we're in the state of Illinois that’s taxing everything now. We don’t even know what the actual dollar amounts are going to be yet because they haven’t hit us hard yet, but we’re going to know real soon. All these taxes affect who? The seniors and those on fixed incomes; the people that we’re supposed to care about most, the people that are hurting. These taxes affect them the hardest. I think it’s a shame that we have to tax to the max. Three years ago one of the Board members says, “It’s just a couple of meals at McDonalds.” To some seniors and some people on a fixed income, they’d like to have a couple of meals extra. I’m very upset about this, every time.25 million in bonds. Every time you turn around there’s a new tax and nobody wants the damn taxes. The other thing is, if you own a house. What do you think you’re getting more money for your house because they increased the property tax? You’re going to get less because less people qualify for your house. They can’t get a loan so they have to go down. It only hurts everybody. So please, vote no to it.

Member Harris stated once again Executive Walsh, I would like to reiterate that this is the fifth year in a row that the tax rate is going down, so we’re doing our part to help the residents. Other (inaudible) the total tax bill is somewhat out of our control. Home values are going up but we’re doing our part to keep the rate low which we’ve been focusing on for the last six or so years (inaudible) this budget doesn’t (inaudible).

Member Berkowicz stated thank you Executive Walsh, I appreciate it. I just wanted to say that I’ve heard our citizens, I’ve heard their voice and many dozens of individuals have expressed their desire in respect to the gas tax to have the opportunity to vote on it through a referendum. I hear that, I agree with it and I don’t know if we can have that conversation and give the Board an opportunity to decide whether or not it’s something we can do, but I just wanted to say thank you for the residents who took the time to come out today and speak even though it isn’t on our agenda today but also hoping that perhaps we might be able to consider their request. Thank you.

Member Harris stated I would like to thank the staff, the fellow County Board members and the department heads that were involved in this budget process. We’ve moved up the dates to allow more time and more opportunity to understand what we actually will know. My sincere thanks to everyone involved. That concludes my report.

Executive Walsh stated thank you for your committee and our financial department. All the work that Ms. Melissa Johannsen and Ms. ReShawn Howard and Ms. Karen Hennessy put hours and hours in to put that budget together.

RESULT: APPROVED [21 TO 4]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Beth Rice, District 3 (D - Bolingbrook)

AYES: Newquist, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tuminello, Weigel, Ferry

NAYS: Ogalla, Balich, Parker, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

4. 19-303 Corporate Fund Levy (Fund 101)

RESULT: APPROVED [17 TO 8]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Mimi Cowan, District 11 (D - Naperville)

AYES: Newquist, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Cowan, Ferry

NAYS: Ogalla, Fritz, Balich, Parker, Berkowicz, Tuminello, Weigel, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

5. 19-304 FICA Levy (Fund 201)

RESULT: APPROVED [17 TO 8]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Rachel Ventura, District 9 (D - Joliet)

AYES: Newquist, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Cowan, Ferry

NAYS: Ogalla, Fritz, Balich, Parker, Berkowicz, Tuminello, Weigel, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

6. 19-305 IMRF Levy (Fund 202)

RESULT: APPROVED [17 TO 8]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

AYES: Newquist, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Cowan, Ferry

NAYS: Ogalla, Fritz, Balich, Parker, Berkowicz, Tuminello, Weigel, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

7. 19-306 Tax Levy for the Tort Immunity Fund (Fund 204)

RESULT: APPROVED [17 TO 8]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Amanda Koch, District 2 (D - Frankfort)

AYES: Newquist, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Cowan, Ferry

NAYS: Ogalla, Fritz, Balich, Parker, Berkowicz, Tuminello, Weigel, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

8. 19-307 Tax Levy for the Worker's Comp. Reserve Fund (Fund 205)

RESULT: APPROVED [17 TO 8]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

AYES: Newquist, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Cowan, Ferry

NAYS: Ogalla, Fritz, Balich, Parker, Berkowicz, Tuminello, Weigel, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

9. 19-308 Tax Levy for the TB Sanitarium Fund (Fund 206)

RESULT: APPROVED [17 TO 8]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

AYES: Newquist, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Cowan, Ferry

NAYS: Ogalla, Fritz, Balich, Parker, Berkowicz, Tuminello, Weigel, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

10. 19-309 Tax Levy for the Health Department Fund (Fund 207)

RESULT: APPROVED [17 TO 8]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Beth Rice, District 3 (D - Bolingbrook)

AYES: Newquist, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Cowan, Ferry

NAYS: Ogalla, Fritz, Balich, Parker, Berkowicz, Tuminello, Weigel, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

11. 19-310 Tax Levy for the County Highway Fund (Fund 220)

RESULT: APPROVED [17 TO 8]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

AYES: Newquist, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Cowan, Ferry

NAYS: Ogalla, Fritz, Balich, Parker, Berkowicz, Tuminello, Weigel, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

12. 19-311 Tax Levy for the County Bridge Fund (Fund 224)

RESULT: APPROVED [17 TO 8]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

AYES: Newquist, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Cowan, Ferry

NAYS: Ogalla, Fritz, Balich, Parker, Berkowicz, Tuminello, Weigel, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

13. 19-312 Tax Levy for the Federal Aid Matching (Fund 225)

RESULT: APPROVED [17 TO 8]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Rachel Ventura, District 9 (D - Joliet)

AYES: Newquist, Koch, Moustis, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Cowan, Ferry

NAYS: Ogalla, Fritz, Balich, Parker, Berkowicz, Tuminello, Weigel, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

14. 19-313 Transferring Funds within the Sheriff's FY2019 Budget

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

ABSENT: Tyson

15. 19-314 Authorizing County Executive to Execute Necessary Documents for Delinquent Tax Program

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Amanda Koch, District 2 (D - Frankfort)

ABSENT: Tyson

Next Finance Committee Meeting is Scheduled for December 3, 2019 @ 10:00 a.m.

XV. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE - J. VANDUYNE, CHAIR

Member Van Duyne stated thank you. Good morning Executive Walsh. Good morning board members and residents of Will County.

1. 19-315 Authorizing Approval of Professional Services Agreement for Supplemental Design Engineering Services Agreement with Willett, Hofmann & Associates Inc., Cedar Road (CH 4) over Spring Creek, County Board Districts #7

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen)

ABSENT: Tyson

2. 19-316 Authorizing Approval of Professional Services Supplemental Agreement for Right of Way Acquisition Services (Relocations) with Land Acquisitions Inc. for Several Parcels of Property along Bell Road (CH 16) at the Intersection with 143rd Street (CH 37), County Board District #7

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

SECONDER: Steve Balich, District 7 (R - Homer Glen)

ABSENT: Tyson

3. 19-317 Authorizing Supplemental Funds for Agreement between the County of Will and Chicap Pipeline Co., whose Contractor Operator is BP Pipelines (North America) Inc., for Reimbursement for Relocating Facilities Along 135th Street (CH 35) from Smith Road to Emily Lane, County Board District #7

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

SECONDER: Steve Balich, District 7 (R - Homer Glen)

ABSENT: Tyson

4. 19-318 Authorizing an Agreement between the County of Will and Northern Illinois Gas Company D/B/A Nicor Gas Company for Reimbursement for Relocating Facilities on Francis Road (CH 64) at the Parker Road Intersection, County Board District #12

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

SECONDER: Beth Rice, District 3 (D - Bolingbrook)

ABSENT: Tyson

5. 19-319 Authorizing Approval of Professional Services Agreement for Right of Way Acquisition Services (Relocations) with Land Acquisitions Inc. for Several Parcels of Property along 80th Avenue (CH 83) from 191st Street (CH 84) to 183rd Street, County Board Districts #2 and #12

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

SECONDER: Tom Weigel, District 12 (R - New Lenox)

ABSENT: Tyson

6. 19-320 Intergovernmental Agreement for Emergency Vehicle Preemption System at the Intersection of Francis Road (CH 64) and Parker Road, County Board District #12

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

SECONDER: Tom Weigel, District 12 (R - New Lenox)

ABSENT: Tyson

7. 19-321 Granting Ingress and Egress for a Vacant Lot on Manhattan-Monee Road (CH 06) County Board District #2

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

SECONDER: Jim Moustis, District 2 (R - Frankfort)

ABSENT: Tyson

Next Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting is Scheduled for December 5, 2019 @ 9:00 a.m.

XVI. JUDICIAL COMMITTEE - T. MARCUM, CHAIR

Next Judicial Committee Meeting is Scheduled for December 3, 2019 @ 9:00 a.m.

XVII. PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE

D. Gould, Chairman

Member Gould stated I have two reports to place on file.

1. Reports to be Placed on File

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Donald Gould, District 6 (R - Shorewood)

SECONDER: Jim Moustis, District 2 (R - Frankfort)

ABSENT: Tyson

Next Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting is Scheduled for December 4, 2019 @ 9:30 a.m. Immediately Following Forest Preserve Meetings at the Forest Preserve District Building

XVIII. LEGISLATIVE & POLICY COMMITTEE - J. TRAYNERE, CHAIR

Member Traynere stated good morning Executive Walsh. Good to see you in your seat this morning. I bet it feels good to be there. We had a lively discussion, of course, at our Legislative Meeting. I will reiterate, once again, all County Board committee chairs, all County department heads, and Countywide elected officials. I would encourage you to look at what you might need from either the state or the federal government and give us some proposed bills you might want us to either draft or find someone to draft, and/or legislation that you would like to see pass that has not come to fruition to help you out in your mission or group. We are in the midst of discussion on both the state and the federal agenda. Hopefully, maybe January, we’ll have a draft for everybody. That’s all I have to report today. Thank you very much.

Next Legislative & Policy Committee Meeting is Scheduled for December 10, 2019 @ 9:00 a.m.

XIX. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE - H. BROOKS, CHAIR

Member Brooks stated good morning Executive Walsh, County Board. Although I have no resolutions to bring forth, we did have three tours of some of our construction sites. Everything is going real well. I have been warned by Mr. Joel Van Essen that we are ahead of construction on two of my sites which is good news. We had some rain delays. And we also had some good reports, no injuries again. That’s all I have.

Member Tuminello stated in the fall of 2018, the Capital Committee worked really diligently to put this together quickly so we could go out and get favorable bids. Because we worked so hard as a group, for those members who were here on the Capital Committee at that time, I want to thank you. Because of that, we were not affected by those historical rains that affected the other projects. Just to give you an update, the building is now scheduled to finish by mid-March of this coming up year instead of the mid-June that we originally anticipated. We also confirmed that the abatement contractor will be able to shift his work and get in that building once we have the employees moved out. With this new date and this new timeline, we can start demoing the building most likely the end of May after the abatement is finished (inaudible) now scheduled the project beginning in September, so this is good news for the Health Department and we’re very excited for them.

Executive Walsh stated very good news. Thank you Member Tuminello.

1. Update on Capital Improvements Projects

Will County Capital Improvements Project Summary, November 21, 2019

Next Capital Improvements Committee Meeting is Scheduled for December 3, 2019 @ 11:00 a.m.

XX. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - D. WINFREY, CHAIR

Member Winfrey stated good morning Executive Walsh and good morning to our fellow Board members.

1. 19-322 Authorizing County Executive to Bind Insurance Coverage and Execute Contracts for Property & Casualty, Auto, General Liability, Excess, Workers' Compensation, Loss Control and Other Risk Management-Related Services

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Mark Ferry, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

ABSENT: Tyson

2. 19-323 Discussion to Ban Sales of Recreational Marijuana in Unincorporated Will County - Resolution Added

Member Winfrey stated we’re going to put that onto the floor Executive Walsh. The State’s Attorney needs us to table that because of some language issues.

Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated as we were in the back reviewing this, the concern is on the agenda. The agenda item is listed as a ban of the sale of recreational marijuana. But as we drafted the ordinance, it’s broader than that. We took the language straight from the statute which indicates cannabis business establishments would be prohibited, which includes cannabis craft growers, cannabis cultivation centers, on and on. Some of which, arguably, would not be participating in sales. It would not be easy to amend this on the floor. I will respectfully request that you would send it back to committee for further discussion and move forward that way. That’s up to you, regardless, there is quite a bit of public here to talk about this and I would encourage you to hear what they have to say regardless of what you decide as far as either tabling it or sending it back to committee.

Member Ventura stated we did discuss this, this morning in caucus not about the error but about tabling it. We felt that there have been multiple opportunities to discuss this. We have received emails from the public, we have received phone calls from the public. Many towns have had their own meetings about this. The reality is this is not needed. We are opted in because it’s state law. This is a bad resolution. It’s written poorly. What we need to be voting on is the zoning and the tax, not this resolution. So if you want to table it, I make a motion to do away with it all together. I make the motion to remove this completely.

Executive Walsh stated we have a motion on the floor. Any discussion?

Member Moustis stated I’ve been on this Board a long time. Never in all my time here have I seen County Board members make an attempt to not take something that can be voted on and if the public and if our constituency would like to weigh in on it. There’s a dictatorial kind of attitude, “We’re not voting on it.” We have the right within state legislation that gives us the right to consider opting out. These attempts to not bring it for a vote and let the public weigh in, is something that I have not seen in all my years here. We’ve always taken our votes, taken our lumps, taken our praises, and this is something I just absolutely cannot support. For those of you who may want to support this, all I can say is really shame on you all.

Member Balich stated the state of Illinois passed the law to make it legal to do marijuana anywhere in the state. It automatically opted in unless we opt out. If you look around, there’s numerous counties and cities that are all saying no because they find that it’s not in their best interest. So we’re not going to have a discussion and we’re just going to go ahead? It appears to me like we’re going to be a bunch of cowards and just cave to what the state of Illinois is dictating because they can? They give all kinds of unfunded things that affect the fire departments, the schools, the county, and nobody says anything because they don’t have the money to pay for it but in their Godly heart they think they’re doing the right thing by imposing things on us. We should have the courage to stand up and say yes or no.

Member Ogalla stated what I wanted say is that I’ve been on the Board, this is my seventh year now and we have always listened to our State’s Attorney and our State’s Attorney has always done a great job at providing good guidance to us as to what should be done. I think we should be listening to what our State’s Attorney has said to us and we should be voting appropriately. Thank you.

Member Tuminello stated thank you Executive Walsh. Earlier this year the state of Illinois became the only state to approve cannabis, to legalize it recreationally, without communicating or asking the public for any input. There was no referendum just like the other states had done. Now, essentially, if we just remove this, we’re doing the same thing at the County level. We’re not allowing the representatives who represent the very people that voted them in to even cast an up or down vote. I would also suggest that we stand with the State’s Attorney and go with their advice. I do want to thank Member Winfrey, Member Brooks and Member Van Duyne, because without their courage in the Executive Committee, to at least be able to allow us to have this discussion, it would never have even been here it would have just disappeared and gone away. So I do appreciate that opportunity and I would respectfully ask my colleagues to vote against this ridiculous proposal.

Member Fricilone stated thank you. I think it’s utterly cowardly to not be able to stand up and vote if you’re for it fine, if you’re against it, fine as well. But we’re not going to take a vote? I’m here to represent my constituents. My constituents Homer Glen, New Lenox, Lockport.all have opted out. Apparently Member Ventura you’re not concerned about your constituents because Lockport and Crest Hill have opted out already. I’m here to vote on issues my constituents are concerned about. To not let us have a vote on this is ridiculous. I agree with Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe that because of procedures we have to table it, but we need to vote on this and at least have a say. We may not opt out, but if you’re for it, stand up and say you are then and vote. Thank you.

Member Kraulidis stated this is the second time I’ve made this statement regarding this issue and it’s advocating my responsibility to my constituents to Will County citizens to the state of Illinois. I don’t understand that statement. To me, I don’t want to address it in a personal way, but to me, that just advocates our responsibility. We took an oath to represent our community and our community expects at the very least that of every one of us. I, too, will agree with the State’s Attorney to look at this a little further and to have a vote so that our members, our community, in 13 districts of Will County have a say through their elected officials. Thank you.

Member Traynere stated I am going to stand up, per your request. I am in favor. A growing body of research has shown that Colorado cities and towns that decided to permit regulated cannabis businesses, have increased their housing values by six percent. Rising property values benefit a broad range of stakeholders from homeowners who experience an increase in their net worth to local governments and school districts that rely on property taxes to provide public services. I have no problem standing up and saying how I feel. If we are going to ban cannabis then I believe we should ban alcohol. I think we should ban all prescription drugs that are more than 30 at a time if it’s an opioid. We can keep going and try to continue to regulate and legislate morality. We could even make it mandatory that people attend church on Sunday but I don’t really think that’s where we want to go. Happy to have a vote today. In my opinion this is a scrivener’s error. I don’t know what the definition of that is but clearly you guys want to have a vote today. I’m okay with voting. We don’t have to have the actual final opt out language correct to vote. I don’t have a problem voting. I don’t have a problem representing the people in my community.

Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated if you want to have a vote, fine have a vote. You’re not voting on the resolution, you’d be voting to opt out or not to opt out, with a resolution to come next month.

Member Ventura stated to a couple of comments, the fact that you’re saying you can’t represent the vote. The vote is on the zoning. That is what you’re opting out of. You’re not opting out of smoking marijuana or allowing people to smoke marijuana. Let’s be very clear on that. That is not what these cities are opting out of. They are opting out of the growing aspects of it and they are opting out of the sales and dispensaries. That happens through zoning. So to say that you don’t have a representative vote here, that is inaccurate. Also we have been discussing this since May, so to say we haven’t had an opportunity to discuss it is inaccurate. We have brought it up at several meetings, including the Committee of the Whole. As far as following the law, that is not caving, that is following the law. We are upholding the constitution of Illinois which we all took an oath to do so. Let’s not play games and make it sound like it’s something it’s not. Member Fricilone to your point, I received four messages to me. One for Vince in Joliet asking me to opt in, which would allow. One from September in Plainfield, she also said to allow it. Missy in unincorporated Will County also told me to allow it. Nicole in Lockport told me to allow it. Not a single one of my constituents has sent me an email asking the opposite of this. Earlier this week Joliet did vote to allow it in their area, so I am representing my constituents. I am happy to vote yes on this and opt in and follow the state law. I’ve made no secret of that from day one. Member Traynere is right, there is a lot of data that is out there that is accurate from other states and we need to have the money to enforce this and we need to have the zoning that’s appropriate. If you want to vote on the zoning and the taxing then I’m happy to but if you want to play games with language and pushing this and tabling this, I’m not playing those games and I’m not going to allow you to either. Thank you.

Executive Walsh stated Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe do you want to comment?

Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated no. It was a mistake and I apologize for the mistake. As far as I’m concerned there’s very little conversation that has happened at the meetings. There was a meeting of the whole but it was just talking about the medical effects and the legislation itself. Had it not been for the State’s Attorney there would not even been any additional.we stepped in and asked that additional stuff be put on the agenda. I asked months ago that we be given clear direction and we have spent tons of time trying to guess how this is going to come down. We did our utmost to do based on messages that were coming through to us and I apologize that it didn’t come down cleanly. It is not any intent to undermine anything. It is just trying to figure out what this Board is going to do.

Executive Walsh stated thank you Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe.

Member Ogalla stated I want to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe again for reiterating that. I think that we should take her advice as Member Winfrey has also requested that we do, that we table this and we go back and work on it and bring back something that we can all clearly vote on versus something’s that not quite right because it’s two different things. I want to remind everybody that at the NACo conference in Las Vegas this past July, I did attend a conference on this, and one of the things they did caution us about is don’t rush in, take the time, see how things are going. You can always opt in again. They said take the time and be cautionary, they said there are other issues that will be worked out throughout the state that we haven’t seen. We haven’t seen how this will work in our state, we will see that because there have been several counties and cities that are supporting full sales and growing and dispensing of marijuana. I think that’s something to look at. I attended the NACo conference. The people on the Board there were from the state of Washington, Las Vegas, Colorado, and California. These are all states whereby have experienced the use of recreational marijuana for many years. They gave us that advice and I think that’s some advice that we should take. It would make sense to first table it as Member Winfrey has requested, and second, wait and see how things are going in other parts of the state and then we can have all those little things worked out before we go and do something here in Will County. Thank you.

Member Moustis stated I like to mention how much discussion is taking place in public forums. There’s been very little here. We did have one State’s Attorney, (inaudible) we talked about the effects of marijuana, what we thought the impact might be. We never talked about opting out that I recall. Last month we were supposed to have a Committee of the Whole where I thought we were going to have this discussion about that and opt out. It was cancelled so a discussion couldn’t take place. I think there’s been an assertive effort not to have discussions on opting out. To say that people have had all these opportunities, they have not. The only opportunity they’ve had is to weigh in a little bit about zoning because the Planning and Zoning Commission did hold a public hearing Tuesday on the zoning. It was made clear by the Planning and Zoning Commission that this was not opting out. They could make a comment about zoning related to cannabis sales but they were told even though the chairman allowed them to come up and say they were going to opt out (inaudible) incorrect form for them to do that. I think we need to have a public hearing on this where everybody could weigh in. I’m okay with tabling it or voting on it. There’s never been one discussion by a committee or this Board about opting out. So to say there’s been all these opportunities, that’s just incorrect.on the opting out portion. The problem we have here.we can’t just take our time because come January 1 it takes hold. We don’t have a lot of time. After January 1 we have the ability, I don’t know how this is all going to work. Let me also point out, and this may be you can look at it either way, the total licenses that are going to be allowed in Will County for dispensaries, and I’m not sure how it works (inaudible) and I do think we need to address the craft growers and the processors because I don’t know what that number is or if it was limited. Certainly I think we need to limit it. (Inaudible) estimated that we get eight percent of the licenses in Will County. Folks, that’s four. That’s for everybody; incorporated, unincorporated, four. Which means you’re not going to get a lot of revenue out of this. The expense is how we’re going to be impacted the Health Department, our court system, the law enforcement system, is going to far outweigh any money you think you’re going to get. I do think we should take this for a vote. Obviously we can do it today and then we’d have to come back with a corrected resolution. Or we can just wait for the corrected resolution next month. This frees people out and not stand out and not giving County Board members the ability to represent their community on an up or down vote.

Member Berkowicz stated thank you Executive Walsh. Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe I’d like to thank you and the State’s Attorney for all of your efforts to bring this forward to us. I greatly appreciate it, it’s a complicated subject and it’s been so fluid with all the changes coming in but I did want to recognize that and I do appreciate that. If we were to proceed with a vote on a resolution, I believe that there may be some speakers here and I would like to ask if we could hear them before.

Executive Walsh stated after all of the County Board members have had a chance to speak, then we were going to open up and the people that are here to speak will get an opportunity. I’ve got a list of County Board members that are wanting to continue to speak about the issue.

Member Berkowicz stated thank you.

Member Rice stated thank you Executive Walsh. First of all I’m pro voting today. I do want to take a vote. I was also wanting to make sure that the speakers are heard that have come to speak on this issue and I wanted to ask you is it necessary for someone to suspend the rules for the timing of the public comment, or is it not?

Executive Walsh stated no need to make another motion.

Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated there’s no need to suspend the rules.

Member Cowen stated thank you Executive Walsh. May I address the State’s Attorney and get some clarification to what we’re actually talking about?

Executive Walsh stated yes.

Member Cowen stated could you explain to me what the difference would be from tabling the issue to removing it from the agenda? I guess the heart of my question is if the resolution that’s on the agenda today is going to change, if we remove it entirely, we could put a resolution to a vote at a later time? Could you explain the difference between these options?

Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated there are several options. We could take a vote to remove it from the agenda, at which point it might just die. It doesn’t have to come back to Executive Committee, it could just die. But it could. You could vote to send it back to committee and then it could be discussed at committee and then a clear decision of what’s moving forward be made at committee and then maybe vote on it next month, maybe not if it doesn’t come back out of committee. You could vote to table it which would bring the subject right back up next month automatically. I really think there needs to be conversation.

Executive Walsh stated Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe if you just table the resolution as it is and to bring back up.

Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated the subject matter on the agenda for next month would be more carefully crafted.

Member Cowan stated or we could vote on it today and let’s say we voted no on the resolution, there’s still opportunity for discussion about the zoning and the taxation?

Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated yes.

Member Cowan stated thank you for the clarification.

Member Winfrey stated thank you Executive Walsh. I know that there is a lot of passion around this issue on both sides of it, in, out up, down, sideways, recreational, not recreational. I understand that and I accept that. My preference, though, would be to have this go to committee because that allows us to clean the language up so that we start with the right wording rather than guessing or figuring out after the fact. Also then that allows us to have a public hearing. At the Zoning Commission the other night, a number of people who wanted to speak on the issue have not had that chance. I know Board members have had a chance at a public meeting or have had Committee of the Whole. The public has not had the chance to weigh in yet on what we do with this and I think that’s a thing that we should consider. I would like for us to send this to committee, get the language straight, post a public meeting at our December meeting and then do the vote.

Member Moustis stated I make a motion to table.

Executive Walsh stated we have people that came today that want to voice their opinion on this issue and we open it up and have the people come down. You get three minutes to speak and I ask you to not be redundant. If you’ve got some new information, then okay.

Ms. Nicki Serbin expressed her opinion on cannabis.

Ms. Salve Messina expressed her opinion on cannabis. Ms. Murri Briel expressed her opinion on cannabis.

Ms. Reanna Tyree expressed her opinion on cannabis. Ms. Marilyn Gallagher expressed her opinion on cannabis. Pastor Rick Barnard expressed his opinion on cannabis. Mr. Jackson Wilkins expressed his opinion on cannabis. Ms. Erin Gallagher expressed her opinion on cannabis.

Member Ventura stated I wanted to correct the record. When I looked at my work emails I didn’t have any emails voting no, but I did have one in my personal account so I just want to be fair and accurate in that. Marvin had asked me to vote no. He lives in the city of Joliet and to (inaudible) point, Crystal Lawns is in my district. That’s it.

Member Tuminello stated we have a lot of respect for our State’s Attorney, Ms. Mary Tatroe, and the information that she brought forward. She’s always steered us in the right direction. It’s interesting to me when I sit back and listen to the entire issue. We kind of are having a little bit of a disregard for your office. Dr. Kathleen Burke gave a presentation. She talked to us about the effects. We also had the Health Department come before us. Ms. Sue Olenek was talking about her objection as well and what they felt about legalizing and staying in the program and what it was going to do and the effects it was going to have. I think the most interesting thing that I saw was a letter from one of the state representatives that voted on this bill. There was a legislator that sent out a letter to some of the mayors in some of their high crime areas. It was confirmed by Nikki at his state office and in the letter it talks about how bill 1438, legalizing cannabis, and it talks about age and the amount they can possess and medical won’t be affected, but I think it’s very interesting the last paragraph in the letter states, “Furthermore, these considerations in mind, I am urging you to utilize the opt out provision of this bill for your local municipality. This will require your municipality to pass a resolution opting out of the cannabis legislation. I have concerns about how the bill may bring a rising crime to your community as well as how the perception of your city might be affected by an increase of recreational use of cannabis. There are important factors that were not considered when the bill was going through the legislative process. Thank you for your time and consideration. It is my hope that you will consider opting out of HB1438.” I just think sometimes when you make a vote in Springfield maybe you sit back and think about some of the effects after you understand it and then maybe have a change of heart. Thank you.

Member Fricilone stated I’m going to (inaudible) about what Member Tuminello said. I think if we are bringing this back next month, we’re going to have a public hearing. It would be nice to hear from the Sheriff’s Department, the Health Department and from Dr. Kathleen Burke one more time so we can get their opinion again all in that group. I would hope after that, that we would opt out and then we can go to a referendum if we want to go to a referendum to see what the whole of Will County wants to do. I still think, and I said this much earlier, (inaudible) it’s time we start asking the constituents what their feeling is. We get four letters pro and two letters con, that’s not a reason to be pro. We need to get what all of our constituents want. I think we’re seeing a little bit of that by the votes in the villages, but what better way than to go direct to the constituents and ask them to vote on it. Thank you.

Member Traynere stated thank you Executive Walsh. I think that the idea of going to a referendum is fine as long as we are willing to fund it. I think education has to go with it. If the other side of the aisle would like to do a referendum, I would like to see them put a very large amount of money into the budget to pay for public education in terms of the issue. I’m not sure we can even agree what that public education should be, but clearly just putting something on the ballot, people have far more important things to deal with every day in their lives putting bread on the table, getting to their jobs, dealing with their cars, their schools and their kids. They have a lot of things going on in their lives not to mention their own health care. We would have to do a full court press to educate people and that would take a considerable amount of money if that’s the direction we want to go. I think that the voters know that the state legalized cannabis and the voters, if they didn’t like it, can vote no in the next election against their legislator. I just don’t see it. I know cigarettes are bad. I probably touched my first cigarette when I was in the second grade. I was sitting on the roof with my older sister who had acquired their cigarettes from my mother. It happens. It’s a bad thing. They definitely are addictive. Any person has the choice to overcome an addiction if they so choose. There are places to go to get help and sometimes you just don’t need help you need a little willpower. After three days nicotine is out of your system. At that point it becomes a mental health issue. It’s not anything to do with your physical condition. To say that people are addicted to marijuana, I think perhaps they have a mental health issue and maybe not so much a physical addition to marijuana. I don’t think that disagreeing with Dr. Kathleen Burke shows any disrespect to her. She has her education and her back ground and her viewpoint and her ladder of inference just like I do. I respect her to the utmost, we just don’t agree. Thank you.

Member Balich stated I agree with Member Fricilone. I think that we should ask the people. When we don’t go out to the people and ask them they say, “twenty- six people on the Board voted on something that’s going to affect everybody in the County in a big way.” We’re not saying they can’t smoke pot anymore because the state legalized it. All we’re talking about is opting in or opting out of dispensaries. Most of these cities are opting out and there’s a reason for that because they’re finding it’s not in their best interest for whatever reason. I think our county should at least at minimum go to a referendum and ask the people. Whatever the people want is what we should do. It’s a representative democracy. That means we’re supposed to vote what people want, but in a case like this, how are we going to separate the wheat from the chaff. There’s too many ideas floating around. The best way to do it is to ask the people.

Member Winfrey stated thank you to all of our Board members for their input. I appreciate that. I look forward to having a very spirited discussion in public hearing in our December meeting. I know people think this is the end of it but we still have 28 resolutions to go through.

RESULT: TABLED [20 TO 5] Next: 12/19/2019 9:30 AM

MOVER: Jim Moustis, District 2 (R - Frankfort)

SECONDER: Steve Balich, District 7 (R - Homer Glen)

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Harris, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Dollinger, Berkowicz, Tuminello, Weigel, Ferry, Kraulidis

NAYS: Rice, Traynere, Ventura, Marcum, Cowan

ABSENT: Tyson

3. 19-324 Authorizing Letter of Support for 12-Year Extension of Joliet City Center TIF District

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Mark Ferry, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tuminello, Weigel, Ferry, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

4. 19-325 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute Renewal of Professional Services Contract with Baxter & Woodman Inc.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Beth Rice, District 3 (D - Bolingbrook)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

5. 19-326 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute Renewal of Consultant Agreement with Mack Communications Inc.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

6. 19-327 Authorizing the County Executive to Executive a Renewal of Professional Services Contract with Lois Mayer

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Mark Ferry, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

7. 19-328 Authorizing County Executive to Execute Agreement with Will County Center for Economic Development (CED) - Resolution and Attachment Added

RESULT: APPROVED [23 TO 1]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tuminello, Weigel, Ferry, Kraulidis

NAYS: Fritz

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

8. 19-329 Awarding Bid for Elevator Maintenance at Various Will County Office Buildings

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Beth Rice, District 3 (D - Bolingbrook)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

9. 19-330 Awarding Bid for Sale of Surplus Vehicles

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

10. 19-331 Declaring Various Equipment Surplus and Authorizing Disposal

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Rachel Ventura, District 9 (D - Joliet)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

11. 19-332 Authoring County Executive to Renew Contract with Trizzino Concrete for Snow Removal Services at the Public Safety Complex

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

12. 19-333 Awarding Bid for Gasoline & Diesel Fuel

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Mimi Cowan, District 11 (D - Naperville)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

13. 19-334 Appropriating Funds for the Payment of the County Engineer's Salary MFT Salary Section 20-00000-00-CS Section 20-CS197-00-AC

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Mark Ferry, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

14. 19-335 Correcting Scrivener’s Error on Attachment to Resolution #19-273 for Condemnation Cases Regarding the County's Improvements of Laraway Road (CH 74) from Stonebridge Drive to Cedar Road (CH 4) County Board District #12

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Tom Weigel, District 12 (R - New Lenox)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

15. 19-336 Extension of Term of Board of Review

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

16. 19-337 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute Intergovernmental Service Provider Agreement with Pace for Continuation as the Service Provider for the Will County Mobility Management Project

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

17. 19-338 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute Intergovernmental Sponsorship Participation Agreement with Crete Township for the Will County Mobility Management Project

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Judy Ogalla, District 1 (R - Monee)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

18. 19-339 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute Intergovernmental Sponsorship Participation Agreement with Frankfort Township for the Will County Mobility Management Project

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Ray Tuminello, District 12 (R - New Lenox)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

19. 19-340 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute Intergovernmental Sponsorship Participation Agreement with Monee Township for the Will County Mobility Management Project

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Judy Ogalla, District 1 (R - Monee)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

20. 19-341 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute Intergovernmental Sponsorship Participation Agreement with Peotone Township for continuation in the Will County Mobility Management Project

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Judy Ogalla, District 1 (R - Monee)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

21. 19-342 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute Intergovernmental Sponsorship Participation Agreement with Washington Township for the Will County Mobility Management Project

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

22. 19-343 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute Intergovernmental Sponsorship Participation Agreement with Will Township for the Will County Mobility Management Project

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Judy Ogalla, District 1 (R - Monee)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

23. 19-344 Authorizing County Executive to Approve an Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for Strand Associates Inc., to Complete a Solar Feasibility Study

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Mark Ferry, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

24. 19-345 Authorizing County Executive to Execute DCEO Grant Agreement under the National Dislocated Worker Grant Program for the Opioid Disaster Recovery Project - Resolution and Attachment Added

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Donald Gould, District 6 (R - Shorewood)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

25. 19-346 Repealing Ordinance #10-30, Amending Condition #15 of Siting Ordinance #99-72 for the Prairie View Recycling and Disposal Facility to Approve a Proposal submitted by Waste Management of Illinois Inc., with Certain Conditions Pertaining to Condition #15 of Siting Ordinance #99-72

Member Winfrey stated this will need some further work so we need to go back to committee on this one.

RESULT: REMANDED [UNANIMOUS] Next: 12/5/2019 10:00 AM

TO: Will County Executive Committee

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

26. 19-347 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute a Lease Agreement with Frankfort Township for the Branch Court Facility - Resolution and Attachment Added

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Ray Tuminello, District 12 (R - New Lenox)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

27. 19-348 Transferring Funds within the Health Department FY2019 Budget for the Will County Community Health Center

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Tim Kraulidis, District 13 (R - Joliet)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

28. 19-349 Replacement Hires for the Division of Transportation - Road Maintainers

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington)

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould,

VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Dollinger, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tuminello, Weigel, Ferry, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

29. 19-350 Replacement Hires for the LCC 9-1-1

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Donald Gould, District 6 (R - Shorewood)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

30. 19-351 Replacement Hire for County Executive Human Resources - HR Specialist

- Risk Management

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

Next Executive Committee Meeting is Scheduled for December 5, 2019 @ 10:00 a.m.

XXI. APPOINTMENTS BY THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE

1. November 2019 Appointments to Boards and Commissions

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, Speaker, District 8 (D - Joliet)

SECONDER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet)

ABSENT: Tyson

LEFT MEETING: Moustis

XXII. PUBLIC COMMENT

XXIII. COMMENTS BY COUNTY BOARD MEMBERS

Member Ogalla stated thank you. Unfortunately the person who came and spoke about this publicly has left because they're exhausted I’m sure. One of the things on the Legislative Committee that we’re looking at, I thought Member Traynere might have mentioned it but she was mentioning all the other things that we have done so that was great. We are looking to getting the state to support putting the tax on the (inaudible) so the person getting taxed.

Member Traynere stated that’s going to go on our agenda.

Member Ogalla stated that will be going on our agenda for the federal, state and local tax, so we are listening to the residents. We are looking forward to supporting that. The other thing is I think we should consider doing a referendum for the gas tax so the residents get a position on this one way or the another. (Inaudible) if they weren’t able to vote on it.

Member Ventura stated on Tuesday, November 26, in Naperville there will be a Hate Has No Home Here rally. Member Cowan will discuss the incident this is in relation to. The rally will be at the Dandelion Fountain in front of the Nicholas Library at Webster and Jefferson Street there in Naperville. Thank you.

Member Cowan stated thank you Executive Walsh. Today I need to talk about racism. I am going to issue a warning that the events that I am about to describe are quite disturbing. If you are sensitive to this type of thing, I guarantee you it will upset you. There have been incidents in Naperville the past few months, but the one I am referring to happened last week. This is something that happened at Naperville Central High School which is located in DuPage County but serves students in Will County as well. In the middle of the school day, a white student took a photograph of a black student whom he was familiar. He then posted that image on social media and on Craig’s List with the title "slave for sale $1, Naperville." The rest of the content of the post included words that I cannot repeat, that were clearly intended to invoke fear, discrimination, and the memory of slavery. The media has roundly downplayed this issue. They claim that the students were friends and that this was some kind of a joke. I was at a community event last night with the mother of the victim. These students were not friends, this was not a joke. They had grown up together but had drifted apart as sometimes friends do. The perpetrator received a two day in-school suspension but has since has been charged with a hate crime by Naperville police. It turns out that this was not an isolated incident. The white student had been tormenting the black student for weeks. He would go up to him in the hallway and interrupt his conversations, “Hey slave how much do you cost?” He would frequently taunt him about the color of his skin and make other derisive comments. What I learned last night at our community meeting was that if you’re surprised by this, you’re probably white. This is not, unfortunately, an isolated event. These types of events are pervasive. Last night I also learned that our community members of color are tired. They are exhausted from daily dealing with direct and indirect racism. It affects their mental health, their emotional health, and eventually their physical health. Many members at this meeting recounted events that had happened to them in childhood. They have lasting negative effects from these events. The mother of this student told us that she was worried because she heard other people talking about even at 70 years of age, they remembered something that happened when they were 10. She also told us that this event had broken her child, that she was afraid to leave him unattended. She was afraid to let him close his door to his room because she’s afraid he’s going to end his life. To my friends and colleagues who are people of color, I can only say I’m sorry for the burden that you continue to carry daily when it comes to racism. I am sorry that racism is so deeply intertwined with our culture in the United States that speaking out against racism is sometimes considered un-American. But more importantly to my white friends and colleagues, you need to step up. Our black friends are exhausted. They are exhausted from lifetimes of carrying this burden. This is not isolated incidents. As I said, it’s pervasive. It’s also not just in Naperville, although those are where the stories are coming from lately. It’s in Wilmington, it’s in Mokena, it’s in New Lenox, it’s throughout our county and our country. The time has come, in fact, we are well past the time that white people need to take some of this burden off of people of color. Not only do we need to say something when we encounter, even though subtle instances of racism even when there isn’t a person of color around. We all know, we’ve heard those jokes, those comments, the things that you go, “Well I guess it’s not really racism.” You let it go because you don’t want to make waves with a friend or a colleague or a family member. It’s time for all of us to take up the burden and to say no to those type of comments. But more than that, it’s time for us to be proactive. It is not enough to be not racist. We must be actively anti- racist. I think, speaking as a white person, I’ve always thought things are getting better, I think especially a lot of us.frankly, I think after the election of President Barak Obama thought we really turned the corner, but I think what a lot of us white folks don’t know is that there is still daily racism impacting the lives of our friends of color. I think a lot of us white people hearken back to what Martin Luther King, Jr. said about the arc of the moral universe being long but bending towards justice. We think, “It’s getting better.” But my grandma used to say the arc of the moral universe doesn’t bend by itself. It only bends when we apply pressure to it, when we craft that into an arc and force it to bend towards justice. Again, to my friends and my colleagues who are people of color, I am sorry. That is a pretty lame thing to have to be able to say because I know it doesn’t make up for it. To my friends and colleagues who are white, this is your call to action. I need you to help your friends and colleagues. Thank you Executive Walsh.

Member Tuminello stated I’d like to, in the spirit of discussing the gas tax, and we’re continuing to have discussion, in the next month or two on those, I was wondering if you’d be kind enough to put resolution 08-220 and that’s a resolution clarifying what the RTA funds could be used for, just for discussion and maybe the Public Works Committee or the Executive Committee. Because I think if we go towards a gas tax, if this County Board should enact one, I think it’s important that we make sure that the monies that come in from the residents on their gas tax be used solely for the roads. I think there’s just a little bit of language that we should tighten up. I know in some spots it says it can only be used for capital projects acts and/or public safety. I just think we can tighten it up a little to make sure those dollars solely go for the road. Last but not least, I just wanted to say a Happy Thanksgiving to everybody in this room. We all take time away from our jobs, our families. I love every one of you and I respect every one of you and I thank you for all your hard work. The last couple months and the next couple months are not going to be easy. It’s every one of the individuals like us that are willing to step up and take on these big issues. I have a lot of respect for every one of you in the room, so Happy Thanksgiving and I really hope you enjoy your family next week.

Member Kraulidis stated Executive Walsh I have missed your wit and wisdom up there. You got a couple good liners in there today. I remember what I’m missing now. You’ve got to make sure you get back in that seat there. I want to thank Speaker Winfrey and some of my colleagues across the aisle that looked at the cannabis situation in a common sense way and chose to take the time to educate ourselves further as well as finding out what our constituents want as well. Thank you.

XXIV. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, MINORITY LEADER AND COUNTY BOARD SPEAKER

Announcements by County Board Majority Leader, Mark Ferry

Member Ferry recognizing Mr. Mike Hennessey on 30 years with United Way Will County. Great job Mr. Mike Hennessey. Also recognizing the 100th anniversary of Zonta International. Happy Thanksgiving.

Announcements by County Board Minority Leader, Mike Fricilone

Member Fricilone stated thank you Executive Walsh. I, too, want to say Happy Thanksgiving to everybody, a time to spend with your families. I know I’ll see most of mine. Make time for your family on that. Also, there’s another special day coming up on Tuesday, December 3, National Day of Giving. It started November 2012 and some people call it giving Tuesday. It’s a global event at this point. There’s many ways you can give. I know here we tend to spend other peoples' money. This is a time for you to spend your money. Maybe set up a food drive as we just did at our company last week, collect toys for the holidays or just donate to your favorite charity. That’s Tuesday, December 3, Happy Thanksgiving.

Announcements by County Board Speaker, Denise Winfrey

Member Winfrey stated thank you Executive Walsh. Just a couple of things. Thank you to all of you for your participation this morning. I appreciate that we don’t always agree but we can agree to do the work that needs to be done in the County, so thank you all for being actively engaged and staying through much later today and be willing to do that. Member Cowan thank you for bringing that forward. I want to remind people that racism creates a dual burden. It is a burden on the person that is the victim, it also means the person who (inaudible) has to carry around that hate and that anger. It serves no good for anybody, so just remind people of that. Silence is really what kills. People staying silent and not speaking up is what is the most hurtful thing. I encourage people to not do that. I also want to say thank you to everybody for the calls and well wishes I received this past weekend. I had a minor health issue, it’s all resolved, I’m good to go, so thank you for the concerns. I want to wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving. My prayer for all of you is that you enjoy the company of family, friends, however you choose to share Thanksgiving and come forward next month ready to do business with the County. Thank you.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Executive Walsh stated we have to go into Executive Session for pending litigation and personnel.

Motion to go into Executive Session

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Mimi Cowan, District 11 (D - Naperville)

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Rice, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Dollinger, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Tuminello, Weigel, Ferry, Kraulidis

ABSENT: Moustis, Tyson, Parker, Ventura

XXVI. RECESS TO DECEMBER 19, 2019

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