Will County Board Met March 18

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella

Jun 22, 2021

Will County Board Met March 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Executive Bertino-Tarrant called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

Member Mitchell led the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. INVOCATION

Member Mitchell introduced the clergy, Pastor Jack Lezza of Independent Baptist Church in Bolingbrook.

IV. ROLL CALL

Attendee Name

Title

Status

Arrived

Sherry Newquist

District 1 (D - Steger)

Present

Judy Ogalla

District 1 (R - Monee)

Present

Amanda Koch

District 2 (D - Frankfort)

Present

Jim Moustis

District 2 (R - Frankfort)

Present

Raquel M. Mitchell

District 3 (R - Bolingbrook)

Present

Margaret Tyson

District 3 (D - Bolingbrook)

Present

Kenneth E. Harris

District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

Present

Jacqueline Traynere

District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

Present

Gretchen Fritz

District 5 (R - Plainfield)

Present

Meta Mueller

District 5 (D - Aurora)

Present

Donald Gould

District 6 (R - Shorewood)

Present

Joe VanDuyne

District 6 (D - Wilmington)

Present

Steve Balich

District 7 (R - Homer Glen)

Present

Mike Fricilone

District 7 (R - Homer Glen)

Present

Herbert Brooks Jr.

District 8 (D - Joliet)

Present

Denise E. Winfrey

District 8 (D - Joliet)

Present

Annette Parker

District 9 (R - Crest Hill)

Present

Rachel Ventura

District 9 (D - Joliet)

Present

Natalie Coleman

District 10 (D - Plainfield)

Present

Tyler Marcum

District 10 (D - Joliet)

Present

Julie Berkowicz

District 11 (R - Naperville)

Present

Mimi Cowan

Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

Present

Frankie Pretzel

District 12 (R - New Lenox)

Present

Tom Weigel

District 12 (R - New Lenox)

Present

Mica Freeman

District 13 (D - Plainfield)

Present

Debbie Kraulidis

District 13 (R - Joliet)

Present

V. DECLARING QUORUM PRESENT

VI. MOTION TO PLACE ON FILE CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

SECONDER: Herbert Brooks Jr., District 8 (D - Joliet)

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker,

Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis

VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Will County Board - Special Meeting - Feb 8, 2021 3:00 PM

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

SECONDER: Raquel M. Mitchell, District 3 (R - Bolingbrook)

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker,

Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis

2. Will County Board - Recessed Meeting - Feb 18, 2021 9:30 AM

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

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

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker,

Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis

3. Will County Board - Special Meeting - Feb 26, 2021 1:00 PM

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Margaret Tyson, District 3 (D - Bolingbrook)

SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker,

Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis

VIII. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ELECTED OFFICIALS AND MEDIA PRESENT Elected officials present: County Clerk, Lauren Staley Ferry; County Executive, Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant; Recorder of Deeds, Karen Stukel; State's Attorney, James Glasgow; Treasurer, Tim Brophy

Media present: Farmers Weekly Review, Nick Reiher; Herald News, Alex Ortiz IX. HONORARY RESOLUTIONS / PROCLAMATIONS

X. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR AGENDA ITEMS ONLY

XI. OLD BUSINESS

Status of February 18, 2021 Resolutions/Ordinances

XII. NEW BUSINESS

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

Open Public Hearing for all Land Use Cases

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker,

Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis

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

Ms. Beth Adams stated no public comments.

Close Public Hearing for all Land Use Cases

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker,

Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis

1. Ordinance Amending the Will County, Illinois Zoning Ordinance Adopted and Approved September 9, 1947 as Amended for Zoning Case ZC-20-080, Wingren DG, LLC, Owner of Record, (Jeffrey Wingren, 100% Beneficiary) Edward Kalina of Engineering Solutions Team, Agent, Requesting: (S-20-028) Special Use Permit for an Outdoor Storage Yard; (V-20-113) Variance for Fence Height within Street Setback from 4 feet to 6 feet; (V-20-114) Variance for Maximum Number of Cargo Containers Permitted from 2 to 5 for PIN #16-05-08-300-031-0000, in Homer Township, Commonly Known as 14815 S. Gougar Road, Homer Glen, IL, County Board District # 7

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis

PZC: 6-0 Appr SUP for Outdoor Storage Yard w/12 Conditions

PZC: 6-0 Appr Var for Fence height within Street Setback from 4 ft to 6 ft

PZC: 3-3 Appr Var for Max number of Cargo Containers Permitted from 2 to 5 - THEREBY DENYING

LUD: 7-0 Appr SUP for Outdoor Storage Yard w/12 Conditions

2. Ordinance Amending the Will County, Illinois Zoning Ordinance Adopted and Approved September 9, 1947 as Amended for Zoning Case ZC-21-003, Richard J. Gariboldi, Trust Dated 10/11/2005; Owner of Record, (Mary Peceniak, Trustee; Anne Rodgers, Rita Gariboldi, Lucy McBride, Matthew Gariboldi, Ruth Gariboldi, Paula May, and Joan Gariboldi All Equal Share Beneficiaries) & Patricia L. Gariboldi Trust Dated 10/11/2005 (Mary Peceniak, Trustee; Anne Rodgers, Rita Gariboldi, Lucy McBride, Matthew Gariboldi, Ruth Gariboldi, Paula May, and Joan Gariboldi All Equal Share Beneficiaries), Anne Rodgers, Agent; Thomas Osterberger of Kavanagh Grumley & Gorbold LLC, Attorney; Requesting (M-21- 002) Zoning Map Amendment from A-1 to E-1, for (Part of) PIN #11-04-36-400- 011-0000, in Lockport Township, Commonly Known as 18128 S. Farrell Road, Joliet, IL, County Board District #9

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

PZC: 6-0 Appr Map Amendment from A-1 to E-1

LUD: 7-0 Appr Map Amendment from A-1 to E-1

XIV. LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS

1. 21-59 Authorizing Second Extension of Special Use Permit (SEXT-21-001) for Zoning Case ZC-18-043, Caryn L. Verduin, Owner of Record, Jonathan Roberts, Agent, Request a Second Extension of the Special Use Permit for Pin #23-15-34- 200-009-0000, in Crete Township, Commonly Known as Vacant Property on East Goodenow Road (Dutton Road) Crete, IL, County Board District #1

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

2. 21-60 Authorizing Second Extension of Special Use Permit (SEXT-21-002) for Zoning Case ZC-18-042, Beverly J. Wassman Trust Dated May 31,2011, Owner of Record, Sara Schrementi, Trustee, Johnathan Roberts, Agent, Requesting a Second Extension of the Special Use Permit for Pin #23-15-15-400-010-0000, in Crete Township, Commonly Known as 631 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Crete, IL, County Board District #1

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker,

Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis

3. 21-61 Overturning the Decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission and Approving Appeal #APCD-21-001 by George Tragos, Applicant for Zoning Case #ZC-20-077 Variance #V-20-106 Variance for Maximum Accessory Building from 3,000 Square Feet to 11,098 Square Feet, for PIN #16-05-35-300-004-0000, #16- 05-35-300-003-0000, in Homer Township, Commonly Known as 18016 S. Parker Road, Homer Glen, IL, County Board District #7

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

Next Land Use & Development Committee Meeting is Scheduled for April 13, 2021 @ 10:30 a.m.

XV. FINANCE COMMITTEE - K. HARRIS, CHAIR

Member Harris stated good morning County Board members, Executive Bertino-Tarrant, 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: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook)

2. 21-62 Appropriating Grant Funds from the Center for Technology and Civic Life into the County Clerk's FY2021 Budget

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

3. 21-63 Appropriating Expungement Funding Disbursement in the Circuit Clerk's FY2021 Budget Pursuant to the Cannabis Regulation & Tax Act

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

4. 21-64 Appropriating Grant Funds from Centene Insurance in the Health Department's FY2021 Budget

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

5. 21-65 Appropriating Grant Funds in the Health Department's FY2021 Budget from IDPH for COVID-19 Mass Vaccination

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

6. 21-66 Appropriating Funds in the Health Department's FY2021 Budget from HRSA for the Will County Community Health Center

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

SECONDER: Herbert Brooks Jr., District 8 (D - Joliet)

7. 21-67 Transferring Appropriations within Various County Budgets - Attachment Updated

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

8. 21-68 Authorizing and Appropriating Funds for Quest Food Management Services

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

9. 21-69 Authorizing County Executive to Execute Necessary Documents for Delinquent Tax Program

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

Next Finance Committee Meeting is Scheduled for April 6, 2021 @ 11:00 a.m.

XVI. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE - J. VANDUYNE CHAIR Member Van Duyne stated good morning.

1. 21-70 Confirming Award of Contract to Midwest Fence Corporation ($289,505.00), Let on February 17, 2021, Countywide Guardrail Maintenance (Various County Highways), All County Board Districts

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

2. 21-71 Resolution for Improvements by County Under the IL Highway Code for the Countywide Guardrail Maintenance (Various County Highways), All County Board Districts, Using MFT Funds ($350,000.00)

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

3. 21-72 Authorizing the Use of County Bridge Tax Funds for the Crete Township Road District Reconstruction of the Danne Road Structure Over a Branch of Plum Creek for Construction and Construction Engineering (Phase III), County Board District #1

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

4. 21-73 Authorizing Approval of Professional Services Agreement with H.R. Green, Inc. for Phase II Consultant Program Coordinator

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

Next Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting is Scheduled for April 6, 2021 @ 9:00 a.m.

XVII. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE - M. TYSON, CHAIR

Member Tyson stated good morning everyone.

1. 21-74 Removed from Agenda by Executive Committee March 15, 2021

Member Tyson stated item 21-74 was removed from the agenda by the Executive Committee on March 15 at our special meeting. It was moved to the Board of Health as the position was called a Vaccine Equity Coordinator, and the Board of Health is going to vote on that next month.

RESULT: WITHDRAWN [0 TO 0]

NOT VOTING: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis

Next Diversity & Inclusion Committee Meeting is Scheduled for April 7, 2021 @ 11:00 a.m.

XVIII. PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE - R. VENTURA, CHAIR

Member Ventura stated good morning.

1. 21-75 Renewing Contracts for Housekeeping Supplies for Sunny Hill Nursing Home

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

2. 21-76 Renewing Contracts for Dietary & Nursing Supplies for Sunny Hill Nursing Home

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

Next Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting is Scheduled for April 7, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m.

XIX. LEGISLATIVE & JUDICIAL COMMITTEE - D. WINFREY, CHAIR

Member Winfrey stated good morning everyone.

1. 21-77 Establishing Will County 2021 State Legislative Agenda & Priorities

Member Winfrey stated in the past the language always had us send the agenda down to the Clerk's office. Since we actually put the agenda together, that small change is happening in that resolution to make the language so that we finish, do all the final proofing, and complete the agenda up here in the County Board and Executive Bertino-Tarrant's office.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

SECONDER: Herbert Brooks Jr., District 8 (D - Joliet)

2. 21-78 Opposing HB2804, Provides that No County Board Member May Serve as a Member of a Board of Health

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

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

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

Next Legislative & Judicial Committee Meeting is Scheduled for April 13, 2021 @ 9:00 a.m.

XX. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE - H. BROOKS, CHAIR

Member Brooks stated number one the new morgue and coroner's facility, number two, 1300 Copperfield Avenue and number three, the County Office Building. I'm going to ask Mr. Dave Tkac if he will come and comment on all three of them.

Mr. Dave Tkac stated good morning everyone and thanks for this opportunity to give a brief update on these three critical projects. Number one, the new morgue and coroner's facility. We've published an RFQ for a design builder. This is the project delivery method that we were intending to utilize as we move forward on this project. However, we hit a legal snag with it, and it appears that we're not going to be able to use the design-build method. Instead, we'll proceed with a more traditional route with a solicitation for design, another solicitation for construction management and move the project forward (inaudible). I'm sure that's there's some folks on board and others that might want to weigh in on that and, believe me, we're all ears. So without saying anything more on that, Member Brooks, if you think it's appropriate we would take questions on that one now before proceeding to the other two.

Member Balich stated I'd like to know why we can't use a design-build? If you guys are planning it, I'm assuming it would be a lot cheaper and a lot easier to do, so what's the problem? Why we can't do it?

Assistant State's Attorney Tatroe stated good morning. When we reviewed the statutes, under the county's code, under the local government code, there is no authorization for a county to bid out a construction project in a design-build manner. There are other forms of government that have that authority: school districts, park districts, the state do, a public building commission has that authority, but there is no authority for counties to bid out a project in that manner. As I have previously told County Board many times, we are not a home-ruled government. We only have that authority which is specifically set forth in statute. Because we were unable to find any authority for a design-build bid, the county cannot move forward in that manner.

Member Balich stated does it cost less money to do it with a design-build?

Mr. Dave Tkac stated there are some savings to be had. The clear advantage in this delivery method would be to expedite the completion of the project. In doing so it takes less time and costs us less money. I think there are some benefits but it's a small enough project where I think if we went into a different approach, we could succeed as well too.

Member Balich stated I'm just looking at it like if we could save money because it doesn't give us the authority, it also doesn't say we can't do it. It just says we don't have the authority. So if we just go ahead and do it, there's no law saying we can't. They're saying we don't have the authority. The way the laws are now, everybody's kind of like the wild west, so I would interpret it a different way, no offense to State's Attorney Tatroe, because she's smarter than me. I would just say don't give us authority, but it doesn't say we can't either. It just says you don't have authority. We're going to do it anyway...so what...what happens to us?

Assistant State's Attorney Tatroe stated I would disagree with Member Balich. The law and the Constitution are very clear that non-home rule entities only have the authority that is set forth in statute and they cannot take action. Otherwise, we would be a home rule...that is the definition of a home rule entity; one that can do anything it wants to unless it's specifically prohibited. We are clearly not a home rule entity.

Member Fricilone stated the one thing is, we always play by the rules here at the County Board. We follow what the State's Attorney tells us we can and can not do. I have no problem understanding that what we thought we could do, we can and so we proceed like we have with the other buildings that we build. It shouldn't be a problem, we just need to do this as fast as possible and move forward. This is related to COVID-19. We've recognized our deficiencies at the old morgue, especially because of COVID-19, so we just need to move forward in the way that we have in the past couple buildings that we built and I'm sure we're going to get the best price possible. Mr. Dave Tkac will help us with that, and we'll move on under the laws that allows us to build the way we can build.

Member Brooks said now we'll move on to project number two, Copperfield Avenue. Mr. Dave Tkac stated briefly on the 1300 Copperfield building, we have recently closed within the last few weeks. We are proceeding with what I like to call the "make ready requirements." We need to make sure the building envelope, the doors and windows, etc. are air tight and water tight. We want to move forward with these immediate needs and finalize the end-user utilization of the space within the building and we need to proceed with more detailing with respect to the design requirements for the end-users in the building. We've got our work cut out for us. It's exciting. The building is in remarkably good shape. We're very anxious to get moving on this.

Member Brooks stated moving on to project number three, the County Office Building from Mr. Dave Tkac.

Mr. Dave Tkac stated we are done with phases one and two which really encompassed all the work on the main level and second floor of the building. We have a few remaining items which are weather dependent which is why we are showing it at 99 percent complete. Phase three, which is the new entrance on the main level at the front of the building, is scheduled to start in early May. We've got a lot of work to do between now and then to make sure the work we are going to be doing with building that new entrance and that security operation within it, that we are doing so in a very mindful way so as to minimize the interruption with our business in this building. We'll be working very closely with all of the end users: the county clerk, the treasurer, the auditor and anybody else that's in the building as well to make sure we that we take everything into account and to make that as seamless as possible. That's phase three. Phase four is essentially the work on the lower level. All interior work (inaudible) and that will be a function of making sure that we have our requirements well-defined and we'll be back with a start date on that in the very near future.

Member Brooks stated my question with the lower level...the April 6 election is coming up, and you said the date for construction is later on, so there would be no interference would there?

Mr. Dave Tkac stated one of the things I need to do is to make sure is that we have a solid decision on the utilization on the space. A lot of the space for work involves renovations to the corridors, the break area, some lighting and I just want to make sure we're squared away.

Member Weigel stated what was phase one and what was phase two?

Mr. Dave Tkac stated phase one was all of the work to reconfigure the treasurer's space and the auditor's space. It overlapped with phase two which meant once certain work was done on the main level, we were able to relocate some of the operations from the Executive's office on level two down to level one, and in doing so create more conference space on both levels, relocate Human Resources from level two to level one and renovations to the County Board Room. I think all of you will be surprised when you return for face-to-face meetings in the future and hopefully that's not too far away. A lot of changes have occurred and I like to think for the better. The building is much more user friendly. I think it's user friendly within the context of distancing, I think it's also user friendly with respect to the new technology that's available. I look forward to the day when you can all return. Essentially phase one and phase two was the overlap and they involve work on both levels and resituating building operations. That work is basically done.

Member Brooks stated thank you Mr. Dave Tkac for your update. I have to concur with everything you have said. It is very well done. The last thing I want to say is this: Assistant State's Attorney Tatroe said we are not home-ruled. We all know we have no authority to make those decisions. However, my question to Assistant State's Attorney Tatroe, if we did even if there's no ramifications, take that authority when there is no authority, no home rule, what kind of action would we be facing if we did make a decision with the coroner's office and move forward with that?

Assistant State's Attorney Tatroe stated one of the consequences could be that the State's Attorney's office would be put in a very awkward position in that we might have to file a (inaudible) against the County Board and have a special council appointed to the County Board to represent them in an action such as that. The other possibility, because of the design build, you do eliminate one step of the bidding process. There could be contractors who would challenge that methodology and they very well could bring a challenge to it. So, there are consequences.

1. Update on Capital Improvements Projects - Attachment Added

Next Capital Improvements Committee Meeting is Scheduled for April 6, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m.

XXI. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - M. COWAN, CHAIR

1. PUBLIC HEARING Re: Intent of the County of Will, Illinois to Sell Not to Exceed $55,000,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) for the RNG Facility

Member Cowan stated I just want to comment that we do have bond council on the meeting. Ms. Karen Hennessy is also on the meeting if there's any financial questions regarding the bonds. Mr. Dean Olson is also on the line and he is also available to answer any questions regarding the status of the project. Both questions from County Board members or the public.

Mr. Cornel Darden, Jr. stated for the RNG facility, will there be any minority participation on the project for the facility?

Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated this is for comments only, not questions.

Member Fricilone stated and this is on the bonds.

Member Moustis stated we strive to have minority participation and I think there will be no difference on this project (inaudible) try even harder. I would say yes, of course.

Member Moustis stated I keep hearing such things as, we’re going to pay off as soon as possible. The goal is to pay it off in five years. I want to talk about the bond structuring and it's crucial here. Normally, our bonds aren’t going to be callable in five years. I am interested in how we might be structuring the bond and how many issues are we going to issue? You're asking to issue up to $55 million. You want to issue $55 million right from the start? I hear that's a maximum number, we don't know if it will be $55 million. Certainly we don't want to borrow more than we need. The other thing I would ask is if we're going to do this in increments, and we want to pay it off over a timely fashion, are we considering (inaudible). So I'm really concerned about how you're going to structure this for a quick payoff. How many issues are you going to go? I have some real concerns. The bond market is bumping up a little bit these days, as far as our costs. I'm just interested in what the thoughts are in how you're going to structure all of this.

Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated Member Moustis are you asking the bond council these questions?

Member Moustis stated sure. I could be the bond council. The answer could be they haven’t talked about it yet. It could be bond council, it could be Ms. Karen Hennessey. I assume there has been some discussion on this but if there hasn't...

Ms. Karen Hennessey stated I'm happy to answer Member Moustis' question. The intent is that we would have one issue, the reason that it's up to $55 million is there's still some things that are being worked on...property purchases, things like that to install the pipeline so there could be an uptick in that. While we do want to pay the bonds off as soon as possible, five years is not a term that we're even considering. The revenue generated by this facility once it’s operational. It needs to cover the operational costs and a debt service and maybe have a little bit of revenue left over to do other projects. We'll meet the final determination of the best term for the bond once we determine the dollar amount that we need. It's probably going to be somewhere between 10-15 years. The other thing that will influence that a little bit is whether the bonds need to be issued as taxable or tax exempt. The RNG facility is a revenue generating proposal. We have not had one here before and it needs to be treated differently once it's operational, it’s an enterprise. It will be set up as an enterprise fund; it needs separate audits. We're trying to be very careful as we move forward to make good decisions. Did that answer all your questions or did I miss something?

Member Fricilone stated I have some of the same kind of concerns. I thought when we did some of the bond issues in the past, that we had discussed in Finance Committee some of the options that were available so that we all had an understanding of what was the best way to go. I had suggested to Mr. Nick Palmer yesterday to talk to Member Cowan about us maybe being able to discuss that in finance or in executive as soon as they have...because I know when bond council comes together they give us several options, they have it all printed out. It would be good for us to see some of that just so we have an understanding of why we're going one way or another. Or maybe the committee says, "I think we should do this instead of that one."

Ms. Karen Hennessey stated this is not the last you'll hear of it. This is just authorizing us to begin the process. As we develop the preliminary offering statement, we'll be evaluating all of those choices as far as the term of the bonds, the actual dollar amount, whether they need to be taxable or it can be tax exempt, so we will bring all of that to the Finance Committee. This is what gets us started.

Member Fricilone stated I explained yesterday to our caucus this is what starts the process, the fact that we are saying that we're going to issue bonds but nothing has been decided yet and we need to vet that yet to make the right decision on how we're bonding out.

RESULT: OPENED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

Close Public Hearing

RESULT: APPROVED [25 TO 0]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis

AWAY: Winfrey

2. 21-79 Authorizing the Will County Executive to Execute the 5th Amendment to the Prairie View Landfill Host/Operating Agreement Between the County of Will and Waste Management of Illinois, Inc. - Resolution and Attachment Added

RESULT: WITHDRAWN [25 TO 0]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

AWAY: Winfrey

3. 21-80 Authorizing the Will County Executive to Execute the 1st Amendment to Prairie View Landfill Gas Purchase Agreement Between the County of Will and Waste Management Renewable Energy and Waste Management of Illinois, Inc. - Resolution and Attachment Added

RESULT: WITHDRAWN [25 TO 0]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

AWAY: Winfrey

4. 21-81 Authorizing a Joint Application for Boundary Amendments to the Diamond Enterprise Zone

RESULT: APPROVED [25 TO 0]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

AWAY: Winfrey

5. 21-82 Authorizing the Will County Executive to Execute an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement between the Village of Diamond and the County of Will for the Expansion of the Diamond Enterprise Zone

RESULT: APPROVED [25 TO 0]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

AWAY: Winfrey

6. 21-83 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement between the County of Will, IL and the Town of Normal, McLean County, IL and Authorizing Normal to Exercise the Powers of the County of Will in Connection with an MCC Program and a Loan Finance Program

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker,

Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis

7. 21-84 Appropriating Funds in the County Clerk's Office to Purchase Software Services to Implement Online Election Judge Training Due to COVID-19

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

8. 21-85 Appropriating Funds in the Emergency Management Agency Budget to Purchase Mobile Radio Equipment to Support Response Elements Due to COVID 19

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

9. 21-86 Appropriating Funds in the 9-1-1 Department Budget for Reimbursement for COVID-19 Related Expenses - Overtime

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

10. 21-87 Appropriating Funds in the 9-1-1 Department Budget for Reimbursement for COVID Related Expenses - Workspace Barriers

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

11. 21-88 Appropriating Funds in the State's Attorney's Budget for Reimbursement for COVID Related Expenses - Handcarts and Zoom Licenses

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

12. 21-89 Appropriating Funds in the Department of Transportation Budget for Reimbursement of COVID Related Expenses - Project Acceleration Costs

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

13. 21-90 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) for a Coordinated ERA (Emergency Rental Assistance) Program

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

14. 21-91 Proposing a Substantial Amendment to the Will County Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2015-2019) and the 2019 Annual Action Plan for the Acceptance and Expenditure of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) CDBG-CV3 and ESG-CV2 Funds

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

15. 21-92 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute a Tower and Facility License Agreement Amendment for the Use of a Radio Tower Site Owned by Illinois State Police

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

16. 21-93 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with Plainfield Township Road District to Provide Access to the Countywide Radio System

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

17. 21-94 Awarding Bid for Salt Dome Roof Repairs at Department of Transportation Joliet and Monee Locations

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

18. 21-95 Authorizing the Will County Executive to Execute an Amendment to the Contract with Ayres & Associates for LiDAR Data Collection Services

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

19. 21-96 Setting the Public Defender's Salary

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

SECONDER: Raquel M. Mitchell, District 3 (R - Bolingbrook)

20. 21-97 Extending the March 16, 2020 Proclamation of Disaster in the County of Will

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

21. 21-98 Authorizing a Temporary Loan from the County Corporate Fund to the Resource, Recovery and Energy Division for Expenditures Related to the RNG Facility

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

22. 21-99 Replacement Hires for Sunny Hill Nursing Home

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield)

Member Cowan stated we are going to have a special Executive Committee meeting on March 25 at 10:00 to discuss the next federal dispersments.

Next Executive Committee Meeting is Scheduled for April 1, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m.

XXII. APPOINTMENTS BY THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE - NO APPOINTMENTS FOR MARCH

XXIII. PUBLIC COMMENT RELEVANT TO MATTERS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE COUNTY Mr. Cornel Darden, Jr.'s email was read into the record.

XXIV. COMMENTS BY COUNTY BOARD MEMBERS

Member Balich stated I just heard what was said about the Chamber of Commerce’s and I'm wondering if you're giving money to one chamber...I know the Homer Chamber never got any money and I don't think Lockport Chamber ever got any money. Is that something to get money for chamber assistance they just have to apply to the county?

Or is this something that just goes to certain ones?

Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated this is from the previous budget and I'm not really sure how it was decided what chamber we became a member of, I know there are a couple, the larger ones, obviously the CED that the County Board is a member of. Our county seat is in Joliet so we are a member of that Board, we sits on the Board of Directors. I can tell you I personally asked our budget staff to hold on renewing so we can review the process.

Member Balich stated I appreciate that because if we're going to give to one, then every County Board member lives in a district with chambers. Everybody is going to want to give their chambers money, and we'll go broke if we're going to give it to everybody. If you give it to one, you should give it to all. But, I see what you're saying about Joliet because we're in that chamber area. Thank you very much.

Member Moustis stated I didn’t get an opportunity to finish what I was talking about the bonds. I got disconnected. I wanted to make one comment. Ms. Karen Hennessy mentioned that we were perhaps going to some of this bond money would be used for operations. I don’t recall us ever using borrowed money for operations. I guess I’m looking for clarification on that.

Ms. Karen Hennessy stated let me try and clarify. The bond proceeds are going to be used for the construction of the facility, the engineering, the laying of the pipeline, whatever else is required. Once the facility is operational, it will generate revenue. That revenue is generated from its facility have to cover the operational costs of that plant that generates the gas and those revenues will cover debt service on the bonds we issue. Two separate things.

Member Moustis stated I thought you said we would need money for operations from the bond proceeds.

Ms. Karen Hennessy stated I’m sorry if I wasn’t clear. It’s once the facility is built and is up and running and generating revenue. That revenue will have to cover the operations of the plant and the debt service. Those determinations have to be made before we can determine the term of the bonds. We need to make sure we cover the operational cost and the debt service as quickly as possible, but also not putting too much strain on those revenue sources. We will be bringing that to the Finance Committee. We’re already moving forward evaluating those things, so we will be bringing that to finance.

Member Moustis stated let me also just mention, perhaps I misunderstood you. I just want to make sure we were not borrowing money for operations. There is a revenue stream. This is all part of the solid waste. It’s not like RNG, even though we may be using it as a separate enterprise, it is part of the solid waste program and there is a revenue stream that comes into solid waste from our tipping fees for our landfill and for Laraway landfill. We have a fairly decent revenue stream there. My thoughts are, you don’t have to totally depend on the revenue for RNG to operate, we have solid waste revenue, and that should be considered in the budget going forward. I just want to point out I see this all part of solid waste and the revenue of solid waste programs. We should be doing those calculations now, and maybe perhaps you are, on what the initial operation cost will be and how solid waste revenue can cover that initially.

Ms. Karen Hennessy stated we are in the planning stages and we will discuss that. The whole purpose of the facility is that it will generate revenue, it will pay for itself. It will cover the debt service which is what we will use to construct the facility. We are not planning to look to other county sources that are used for debt service. I think that we are beyond the common period so, if Member Moustis you want to call me and we can have a more in-depth discussion or we will have those discussion at Finance.

Member Moustis stated I view it a little differently. It’s all part of the landfill. It’s all part of the solid waste program. We’ll discuss it in the future. I don’t’ want to take up a lot of time here. Member Harris we’ll talk about this in the future.

Member Traynere stated I hate to say this…I’m going to sound like Member Moustis, I’ve been here for 12 years. I remember when we used to pay for chamber functions like the State of the Village or city dinners. We used to be chamber members, each Board member. There was budgetary decisions made after the financial crisis of the housing blow up back in 2010, and Member Moustis I believe you were the leader of the Board at that time and the decision was made to not pay for chamber memberships for Board members. I don’t know what the Executive’s office has done, but my understanding for the County Board, we don’t belong to any of the chambers.

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

Announcements by County Board Majority Leader, Meta Mueller

Member Mueller stated good morning everyone, thank you so much. I'm going to be brief. It's been one year since we had our last County Board monthly meeting in person. A lot has changed since then. I'm proud of the work we're getting done. I'm looking forward to being able to see more of you, especially as we're getting all of our residents vaccinated. So everyone, please keep being careful, wear your masks. I know Easter is coming up, which is another time we like to get together. Please be careful out there and I will see you all soon, hopefully.

Announcements by County Board Minority Leader, Mike Fricilone

Member Fricilone stated thank you Executive Bertino-Tarrant and good morning Will County. Tomorrow is going to be St. Joseph's Day and the swallows will return to Capistrano as they always have. Saturday is our first day of Spring even though it doesn't feel like it today, and I'm sorry I can't be with you today to pass out my traditional carnations, but we'll do that as soon as we get together. We're really starting our path back to normalcy. The most encouraging sign that I saw recently was the picture of Board Member Ogalla's granddaughter sitting on her great-grandfather's lap at Sunny Hill. If that wasn't encouragement, I don't know what was. We all know that COVID-19 has taken an emotional toll on all, but especially our seniors. I'm hoping that we're getting their emotional help; that's just as important as their physical health. I was encouraged at yesterday's Board of Health meeting. As I always say, "I love when a plan comes together." I want to thank the whole Board and the Executive's office for all the initiatives that you've put together these last couple of months to help our Health Department do what they need to do. I think the efforts are really showing. Today, the new website goes live from the Health Department which will make it much easier for people to register, find out information, know where to call, and I want to thank the Health Department for moving forward. It's difficult times, but I think we're on that path now. The accelerator has been pushed and we're going to be getting a lot more done in the next month or two and I look forward to seeing you all hopefully in the next month or two.

Announcements by County Board Speaker, Mimi Cowan

Member Cowan stated since I'm half Irish or more I have to acknowledge that yesterday was St. Patrick's Day. I hope you all very much enjoyed yourself, of course most of us at the county on St. Patrick's Day think of our late County Executive, Mr. Larry Walsh. We all miss him. Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone whether or not you're of Irish decent it's a fun day. Both Member Fricilone and Member Mueller mentioned the lockdown measures went into place on the 21st of March last year. We all kind of knew it was coming. Yesterday was a year from the Primary Election and the County Clerk's office did a tremendous job a year ago to get the primary rolling and to make that happen and I know she's facing another looming COVID-19 election here in a couple of days, but all of our departments have really stepped up to the challenge and it's been an interesting year for everyone. I know it's brought with it tremendous challenges, but I think we have some silver linings and that we've found better ways to do things in some cases and hopefully we can carry those lessons forward and, like both leaders mentioned, hopefully we'll be able to see each other in person soon. I'm so thrilled that Sunny Hill residents are able now to have some level of visitation and I hope that continues as we go through this vaccination process. I want to remind everybody that we are having a special Executive Committee meeting a week from today, Thursday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m. This is specifically going to be discussing the American Relief Act and how we would like to structure our program. I would encourage all County Board members, whether or not you are on the Executive Committee, to speak to your residents, talk to your local business owners, talk to your non-profit organizations, and let's get some ideas and use this as a positive opportunity to make some long-lasting decisions that will have a positive impact for years to come and not just a short term. I did want to address some of Mr. Cornel Darden's comments. I think we're doing some really good things in the area of diversity and inclusion and minority participation in the county. The RFQ for the new diversity and manager position is either on the street or will be soon. That is somebody that will be working under the Executive's Office to really examine how we can do better in the county, where we are doing okay and how we do that. I am really excited to be moving forward with that process. We have also instructed for our upcoming projects that the big documents ask applicants to include their plan for minority women and veteran participation. I, for one, will be looking for that in proposals that come in as we select firms to work with. I would also really like to have a (inaudible) conversation at an upcoming Executive Committee about the county use of the state's business enterprise participation program lists. The state has identified and helped people get on these lists of minority business, women's business, veteran business, people with disability business lists. I think instead of reinventing the wheel in Will County, which would carry with it a lot of expense and time, that we probably do not have the resources for; if we could help local businesses, local minority, women, veteran and disability owned business get on the business enterprise participation list at the state, and then we can authorize that as our standard hallmark used in the county. I would like to have a conversation about that in Executive Committee. That's some of the things we're working on and not to mention the fact that we had some really great conversations the last few weeks about a vaccine equity manager and it looks like the Health Department will be moving forward with that. I am really happy with the work that we are doing. We can always do better, we can always do more. I intend to keep pushing because I know many of the Board members will as well. It's been a long year and we're in a much better place than we were a year ago. I know we all thought this wouldn't last this long, but here we are and we continue to do the business of the county. I want to thank all of our Board members and especially our staff who have borne the brunt of this pandemic and thank you and congratulate you for continuing to do not only your jobs as they were originally conceived, but so much more in the last year. Thank you Executive Bertino-Tarrant. That's all I have for today.

XXVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION - NECESSARY TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION AND CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

Motion to go into Executive Session

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville)

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

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