Will County Democratic Caucus Committee Met April 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Ms. Freeman led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
III. ROLL CALL
Majority Leader Meta Mueller called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Meta Mueller | Majority Leader | Present | |
| Sherry Newquist | Member | Present | |
| Amanda Koch | Member | Present | |
| Margaret Tyson | Majority Whip | Absent | |
| Kenneth E. Harris | Member | Present | |
| Jacqueline Traynere | Member | Absent | |
| Joe VanDuyne | Member | Absent | |
| Herbert Brooks Jr. | Member | Present | |
| Denise E. Winfrey | Member | Present | |
| Rachel Ventura | Member | Present | |
| Natalie Coleman | Member | Present | |
| Tyler Marcum | Member | Present | |
| Mimi Cowan | Speaker | Present | |
| Mica Freeman | Member | Present |
Present from the State's Attorney's Office: M. Tatroe
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Mueller asked Mr. Palmer who is reading the proclamations.
Mrs. Adams stated that was going to be a question that I have for you. I assumed that Ms. Winfrey would read the National Counties proclamation.
Ms. Ventura stated I will read the National Earth Day proclamation.
Ms. Mueller said then that is settled; Ms. Winfrey will do the National Counties; and Ms. Ventura will read the Earth Day Proclamation.
1. WC Democratic Caucus - Special Meeting - Mar 15, 2021 6:00 PM
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sherry Newquist, Member SECONDER: Mica Freeman, Member AYES: Mueller, Newquist, Koch, Harris, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Cowan, Freeman ABSENT: Tyson, Traynere, VanDuyne |
VI. NEW BUSINESS
1. Discussion of County Board Agenda
VII. OTHER NEW BUSINESS
VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Land Use & Development
Mr. Marcum stated we only have one thing for the full County Board this month. An appeal to overturn the Planning and Zoning Commission. It is a variance for storage containers in District #7 at 14815 South Gouger Rd. We approved most of their items last month; this is for a landscaping business. They want to have five storage containers to store seed, fertilizer, and other organic materials to keep out mice and other rodents. The committee voted unanimously to approve the appeal, thereby overturning the PZC. If anyone has any questions, it is pretty straight forward.
Ms. Ventura said I wasn’t able to attend the meeting today; but I was interested if we are doing a public hearing for the permit fees? I know there was a discussion last month about it. I wasn’t sure if you had finalized things or what you had thought about doing; a square footage or size as opposed to a dollar amount; or even a range of square footages.
Mr. Marcum replied we didn’t vote on anything today; we just had the public hearing and just took notes on what people had said and recommended. That way we can discuss it and vote on that next month. We had discussed doing square footage and we discussed doing a cost of projects for new builds. I would recommend that everyone read the minutes because it is complicated. All and all what was presented to us through Land Use staff does lower the cost of permits for minor repairs and minor projects. All those are now only $50.00; which is a decrease. We are trying to encourage people to get those permits; because most people don’t.
Ms. Ventura stated I like the way that we are lowering it for the fixes. But for the new builds I know there was some talk on the materials you use, such as marble. Why you would have to pay more for that? I was hoping there was a compromise on the square footage; because obviously building a 500 sq. ft. house is going to have more things to inspect than a 2,000 sq. ft. house. I didn’t know if staff had presented different ranges. I have no problem with the decreasing of permit fees for people who are trying to do repairs. We definitely want people to fix up their homes and not make money an issue in that regard. My concern was for the new builds.
Mr. Marcum said we are going to continue that discussion next month; if you can’t make it I’ll make sure we add it to our discussion topics.
Ms. Freeman stated on Saturday there was a long conversation with the Republican Caucus and it was mentioned again today regarding historically how we have to be very careful in allowing this. Could you elaborate on that? I need to know more about what we used to do; verses going ahead with this.
Mr. Marcum asked are you talking about the appeal.
Ms. Freeman replied yes.
Mr. Marcum said currently Will County’s ordinance allows for only two storage containers. I think there’s a bit of concern about people having too many storage containers and them being an eyesore. In this case the applicant is going to paint them green and they are not going to stack them; they will all be a single layer on the ground. He is going to work with staff to put up a visual barrier. I think the concern is more of not allowing people to go crazy with storage containers; because they are easier and inexpensive compared to other options that people may have.
Ms. Freeman asked is there a time limit that they can have these on their property; or do they have to keep applying for the special permit. This is in Homer Township correct?
Mr. Marcum replied yes it is in Homer Township.
Ms. Freeman asked is there still a desire from Homer Township to not have these.
Mr. Marcum stated yes, in the packet there is a letter attached from them requesting that we uphold the denial of the variance. From my understanding of pictures that we have seen, it is in an industrial area. It kind of elevates some of my concern; but yes Homer Township did request that we up/hold the denial.
Ms. Freeman asked is there a time frame that they have to remove them; or do they have to come back for more special permits every year. How does that work?
Mr. Marcum stated the variance once it’s approved; if we approve it they are allowed to have the variance as long as the business is there. Just a reminder for everyone this will take a three fourths majority to pass; that is 20 votes.
Ms. Newquist said that was my concern as well; why was it denied in the first place? My other concern is now that we have allowed this it is going to be hard not to allow it for other people. Are there any restrictions put on it because it is zoned in an industrial area? Obviously these containers wouldn’t be allowed in a residential areas; that’s more of the eyesore part of it. Especially if Homer Township doesn’t want it; what made you override it.
Mr. Marcum stated the PZC voted 3-3; so it was a tie vote there by denying it. Really the fact it is surrounded by other industrial and developed businesses and not near any residential areas or homes. That is what swayed us to go that way; it is either this or they are going to have stuff piled up and it is going to invite rodents. Two or three years ago there was somebody out in Green Garden who was using something similar for storing hay; but it was within sight of a residential use; we voted to uphold the denial variance for them. Really the residential is what has played a large part in this.
Speaker Cowan stated I know Mr. Balich is on Land Use; can I assume that he voted yes to overturn the denial; I know this is in his district.
Mr. Marcum stated yes, he voice support in the matter.
Speaker Cowan asked does Mr. Fricilone feel the same way; or do we know; I don’t think he is on the Land Use Committee.
Mr. Marcum stated I am not sure; he was not at our meeting.
Mr. Harris said I attended the Republican Caucus on Saturday; and I believe Mr. Fricilone will vote with Mr. Balich.
Ms. Mueller said I see some hands up in the attendees and I just wanted to let them know we will have public comment at the end of the meeting. We will make sure to call on you then.
Mr. Marcum said that is everything for Land Use; just like Ms. Ventura alluded to; next month there is going to be a lot of things going on. If you have time read up through the month, and be prepared for a lot of different topics.
2. Finance
Mr. Harris stated we have our standard monthly financial reports to be placed on file. I have six resolutions that I am going to be bringing forward. Appropriating funds in the Will County Treasurer’s Budget for reimbursement for COVID-19 related expenses; as associated with the tax relief that we passed; as far as the printing that is needed to get the four separate payments out. We are going to be appropriating grant funds from the IDPH COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Grant into the Will County Health Department FY2021 Budget. We are going to be appropriating grant funds in the Veterans Assistance Commission Budget. We will be transferring funds within the CDBG Budget for additional project managers; due to a substantial increase in HUD funding from stimulus initiatives. Next we will be creating Fund 2713 this is for the American Rescue Plan and appropriating those funds; this is basically going to authorize us to receive those funds once they come to us. The last resolution is authorizing the County Executive to execute necessary documents for the Delinquent Tax Program. Our next meeting will be on May 4th 2021.
3. Public Works & Transportation
Ms. Mueller stated our next committee is Public Works and Transportation; Mr. Van Duyne is not with us because he had Forest Preserve duty tonight; that is where Ms. Tyson is as well. Ms. Newquist is the Vice Chair of that committee; could you give us any heads up on anything we need to know about.
Ms. Newquist said we went through all of this pretty quickly at the meeting; I think everything is pretty straight forward. To point out a few things; there is a resolution authorizing the County Executive to execute a membership agreement between JULIE, Inc. There were some intergovernmental agreements; just some contract awards. We are authorizing the approval of the expenditure of REBUILD Illinois Funds for the Laraway Rd. and Cedar Rd. improvements. It was a very short meeting and everything was pretty cut and d. If anybody has any questions I will be happy to answer them.
Ms. Adams stated I want the Caucus to know that we did get an email from Mr. Ronaldson today; I believe it only went to Mr. Van Duyne and staff. Resolution 21- 116 which is the agreement with IDOT for the improvements on 80th Avenue. He is asking that this one be sent back to committee while the Will County DOT is finalizing the IDOT funding participation. It should be ready for the May County Board Meeting. Mr. Van Duyne will be remanding that one back.
Ms. Newquist stated that is it for our report our next meeting is May 4th at 9:00 a.m.
4. Diversity & Inclusion
Ms. Winfrey said the Diversity and Inclusion Committee did not meet this month. Instead Ms. Tyson, the County Executive, and I conducted interviews for a Diversity and Inclusion Officer; we had four candidates. We’ve put together some rankings; so there will be a notice coming from the County Executive’s Office sharing the rankings. Each of you should have gotten a packet; we will be able to share those on Thursday, I believe. Then the Diversity and Inclusion Committee will prepare a resolution for negotiations.
5. Public Health & Safety
Ms. Ventura said we had our regular report; and we don’t have anything to vote on this time around. I do want to ask staff; today there was an article that came out that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is not moving forward. I know the City of Aurora stopped their vaccinations today for those shots. I wanted to find out if we should be reporting on this on Thursday; or if Ms. Olenek was planning to report. I will be happy to read something; but I want to make sure if we present something to the public it is extremely accurate; and we have a plan of how our vaccination sites will move forward with or without the shot. Can anyone give us any information about that?
Mrs. Adams stated I believe that we received a press release from Steve Brandy regarding the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Ms. Ventura asked would it be appropriate for me to read that; or summarize that at the meeting.
County Executive Bertino Tarrant stated there was a statement made that was sent out. We will make sure that Ms. Ventura gets a copy of it. It wasn’t from us but Ms. Olenek did make a statement.
Ms. Ventura asked if that is something that should be announced at the meeting. Would that be appropriate?
County Executive Bertino Tarrant stated that would be up to you.
Ms. Ventura stated I think people want more information than less; I will read that. I don’t have anything else for Public Health & Safety; but I do have an item for new business when we get done.
Ms. Tatroe stated I wasn’t sure if the Caucus was interested in what the County was doing relative to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine; but I have read and did speak with Ms. Olenek. They are ceasing the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine; pursuant to the CDC and the State of Illinois; Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines. Most of our vaccines were the Pfizer and Moderna; it was a smaller percentage that was Johnson & Johnson.
6. Legislative & Judicial
Ms. Winfrey stated the Legislative & Judicial Committee had updates from Smith Dawson our Washington lobbyist; an overview of the American Rescue Plan and the Jobs Plan; also an update of what is coming forward on the transportation bill. We had Mr. Hassert on the line with an update of what is happening at the State. The two bills that are going to be most interesting to this group is SB-3289 which was the exemption for, seniors, disabled veterans etc. that is going forward. Representative Walsh has moved that ahead. SB-2464 was the quick take piece that is settled, Mr. Ronaldson has that so he is free to go ahead with that. The other one that people have asked about before was SB-2804; which was the one that didn’t allow for sitting County Board Members to be a part of the Health Board; that one has gone back to rules. So nothing is happening with that; those are the three that are probably going to be the most interesting for people.
Ms. Ventura said there is a bill SB-2278 and ISACo opposes it; I didn’t know if we needed to do anything; or if this is something you have already discussed in your committee. It says it provides that counties that pose a special occupation tax, for public safety, mental health, and substance abuse; so they can establish a seven member board that would decide about that tax. I wasn’t sure if that was anything that we were interested in opposing or not. I don’t understand if we opposed it or why ISACo would oppose it. I wasn’t sure if your committee discussed it.
Ms. Winfrey replied we did not; we only talked about the ones that were going forward that were directly for Will County. Some of those on there they are opposing on behalf of down state. I’m not saying that this one necessarily is, but we did not talk about that one at all. Mr. Hassert did not bring it forward; I’ll have to look at my ISACo list; and look at the explanation behind that. We can then get a report out on that.
7. Capital Improvements
No Report.
8. Executive
Speaker Cowan stated the first thing we have is the Agriculture Area Committee conversation. Ms. Tatroe did we have the opinion yet on this?
Ms. Tatroe replied I did give the verbal opinion; I did not put it in writing; but I will do my utmost to get it done before the County Board meeting.
Speaker Cowan stated there has been a lot of discussion about this. Does anyone have any questions about this?
Ms. Mueller said the Ag area conversation; can someone just summarize it briefly for me.
Speaker Cowan stated basically it is people who have land that is zoned as agricultural can choose if we put into place; can choose to put it in sort of a protected category for ten years. For those ten years it cannot be used for anything except for agricultural or something about a gravel pit. It is for ten years even if they sell the land; it still can only be used as agricultural. That is the high level understanding of it. One of the questions that we have is; the extent as to which it protects property from eminent domain. My understanding is a lot of people that are asking for this want to try to prevent development or encroachment of development on their land. Of course they can chose not to sell but I think they want to have this as some sort of a sign over their land; to say I am not interested in selling; don’t ask me.
IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS BY CHAIR
Ms. Mueller stated I wanted to give you a heads up on a couple of things. Speaker Cowan talked to us at the Executive Committee about the potential for bringing some committee meetings back in person. Some people in person, and some via WebEx. She is wanting feedback from us on how we feel about possibly in May; please let her know. Also I wanted to give you a heads up that Sunny Hill Nursing Home came and talked to us at the Public Health & Safety Committee. They have quite a bit of beds open up right now and they are considering asking us if we would allow opening up the residency restrictions to folks outside of Will County. They haven’t made a formal ask of that yet as far as I know; but that is something that we might want to start considering how we feel about it. We are going to be asked soon to possibly talk about that. I was going to ask Mr. Palmer to discuss some earmarks that we have been discussing in leadership for funding. I thought he might give us a quick update on that brief overview.
Mr. Palmer stated I will be putting something in writing and hopefully will get that out to you tomorrow if possible. We wanted to make you aware that leadership has been working with the County Executive and her Chief of Staff, also with Smith Dawson our Federal Lobbyist, as well as Jeff Ronaldson and Ann Schneider. All of these projects are pretty much things that you’ve previously or previous County Boards have approved through our transportation plans, and federal agendas. Congress is considering bringing back earmarks so we were prioritizing projects that are shovel ready; or are ready to go and qualify under the requirements. We had both transportation projects and some other things like opioid issues. We had Bell Rd. from 159th to 151st ;there are some improvements there. There are storm water infrastructure improvements in Fairmont; which many of you know goes back to the CMAP studies that were in there. In Workforce there is an opioid program; which is a rapid response; and a Naloxone program which is separate so both of those were submitted. All of those projects were submitted to Marie Newman, and to Robin Kelly. We submitted both of the opioid projects. Lauren Underwood the same thing. There weren’t really any transportation projects in her area so we submitted the opioid projects. Bobby Rush who represents the eastern part of the County; we have the 80th Ave. project there; Laraway Rd. and the opioid projects. Bill Foster who represents a much larger geographic area of the County; he is going to get a bunch of projects. He is going to get a Food First, which is a Will County food system this builds on our community gardens and takes it a step further. Workforce had two opioid programs and then we have two sewer and water projects. One is in southeast Joliet Sanitary District; which is in the Preston Heights area. Again in the past we have talked about these CMAP studies that have been done in these kind of underserved areas. This is actually trying to find funds to move some of those basic infrastructure projects forward. The other is the East Joliet; which I think is over by the Ingalls Park area possibly; those are both sewer improvements. We added in Rt. 6 between I-55 and Houbolt Rd.; this is connected to the Houbolt Rd. bridge improvement that is coming. It also serves the region around the Intermodals; moving truck traffic and residential traffic more safely by improving the roadways. If we can get that funded that will be a nice complement to I-80 improvements, the interchange at Houbolt and I-80, and then the bridge. Adam Kinzinger who has a small project there; and he is getting the opioid project; everyone is getting the opioid projects because that is a countywide initiative. Those are all earmark projects; I will write something up and give them to you; some of those were just completing. The other thing is not to be confusing but there is transportation and infrastructure projects they call them T & I’s; we were able to submit five projects for that. Weber Rd. the next phase south which is 135th to Airport Rd. We are just working south along Weber Rd.; Gouger Rd. there were some improvements. Manhattan Monee some additional improvements along Rt. 57 and where the Amazon facility is. Some I-55 work and last but not least University Park Metro Station; it is not obviously a County asset but it serves Eastern Will County; it is our only really public transit option out there. We submitted a request to Robin Kelly for that too. Lots of infrastructure, lots of sewer and water, food, Naloxone, and opioid items. This is what we are doing and I hope we can get some money. I can take any question; I know that was really fast.
Ms. Ventura said I have a question for Ms. Mueller; before we open or have to take a vote on Sunny Hill; can we send out from Mack Communications or in the newspaper a call to all Will County residents and letting them know that there are openings at Sunny Hill before we open it up to the outside. Have we done everything we can to reach the people who might want to take residency there?
Ms. Mueller replied obviously that’s a question for Maggie McDowell. I am not sure what the Speaker’s intension is with where this will end up on an agenda if it comes up. But I am sure we will have the opportunity to ask all of those questions.
Ms. Ventura said I don’t remember Ms. McDowell bringing any of that up at the Public Health & Safety meeting. If she brings it up at my next one I will be sure to ask her; I wasn’t sure if there was other conversations that had happened.
Ms. Newquist said Mr. Palmer, and we can talk about this separately; but do any of the potential earmarks for the University Park Train Station include fixing the horrendous traffic situation there; or is it the station itself?
Mr. Palmer replied I believe this ask was more for the station itself. We can talk off line about that.
Ms. Mueller stated those were the things that I had for my report; so I am going to move on to the Speakers update
1. Speakers Update
Speaker Cowan stated the first thing on my list was the earmarks so thank you for covering that Mr. Palmer. You also mentioned the committees meetings in person in May. Certainly if anyone feels it is not safe for them; I don’t want you to come and do something that makes you feel unsafe. But if you have been fully vaccinated we would love to have you back in the building. Dr. Fauchi said today you still want to social distance, keep your mask on, and abide by numbers of people in certain spaces. We are not going to move to a full County Board Meeting in May; but I think if we can have the committee meeting in the full County Board Room it will provide us enough space to space out. I know for Ms. Mitchell and Ms. Coleman it will be a whole new world; you will actually get to come to a meeting in person. We will all have to get use to the technology again; you won’t be using a device when you are in the County Board Room, you will actually be speaking. I would invite everybody to attend the committees in person that they are a part of. A couple of Board Members in the other caucus seem to have had problems downloading parts of the agenda. I just want to remind everyone that if you are not getting the information that you need; reach out to Mr. Palmer or Mrs. Adams they will get you what you need. I also want to reiterate that if there is a problem we need to know so that we can investigate what the problem is, and see if other people are having the same problem. If it is a problem on our end that we are not aware of; do bring up problems if you experience them. The last thing was a reminder that we are going to have meetings of our redistricting Ad-Hoc Reapportionment Committee. Even if you are not on the committee I would strongly encourage you to attend; form some opinions about the things we are discussing. Right now we are discussing how many districts and how many members per district; that affects everybody. We are getting GIS to draw some sample maps; I would really encourage you to come to the next meeting. I don’t know off the top of my head when that is; Mr. Marcum if you remember feel free to jump in.
Mr. Marcum stated they are trying to coordinate it so we will know more tomorrow.
Speaker Cowan said the Committee of the Whole with Franklin County Leaders about their Family Court Program. Mr. Palmer have we confirmed that?
Mr. Palmer said we do have a confirmation but to Mr. Marcum’s point; Mrs. Adams is trying to see if we could manage it so we can fit the Committee of the Whole and the Ad-Hoc Reapportionment and we also have Ad-Hoc Cares Committee next Wednesday, which is April 21st.
Speaker Cowan stated keep an eye on your calendar for all those things, and hopefully we will move forward with that. That is all that I have right now; unless anybody has any questions.
Ms. Freeman said going back to committee meetings at the Board Room; will that be just the committee members, or will that be guest speakers and all of that. I am curious how many people will be in the Board Room at one time?
Speaker Cowan replied our max by State dictate is 50; and I don’t think we are going to get that many. I think what we would do is ask the committee members to attend. We can’t stop anyone from attending in person if they wanted to, because it is an open meeting. But we would encourage Board Members who are not on the committee to still take the meeting virtually. This is just so we can keep our numbers well below, and we can keep everybody spread out, and to respect our staff who may or may not be fully vaccinated as well.
Ms. Mueller said I get my second shot in the middle of May; I have to go right now to the County Board Room for the Forest Preserve and there is plenty of social distancing; so I don’t have a problem with that. I was just curious exactly how many people would be coming in.
Speaker Cowan said I agree if you aren’t fully vaccinated I wouldn’t go out of your way to come in.
Ms. Ventura stated I have two things; I guess I should have brought this up under new business. I had sent Mr. Palmer an email about the Brandon Rd. Bridge; I am getting complaints from constituents that heavy weight trucks are going over it. I don’t know how they know that they are heavy weight trucks but obviously people are concerned about that bridge breaking again especially since Jefferson St. Bridge is still broken. I didn’t know if we have to have somebody talk with the Sheriff and ask if they are interested in having an Officer there; I know we have brought in a lot of money in the past on these fees; of trucks who aren’t supposed to be going over that bridge.
Mr. Palmer stated I am trying to get some answers on that. I think that specific bridge is just generally a good topic to revisit; because we’ve talked about over weigh truck enforcement before. I can talk to Speaker Cowan about a future County Board Meeting to get an update on what they are doing, and where they decide to do their enforcement. That is a residents concern in a lot of areas; is where’s the enforcement and what are we doing.
Ms. Ventura stated for my second item I had spoken to Mr. Van Duyne earlier this month about something we brought up in Caucus here. I know he is not here; he said he was going to bring it up. We had Mike from IBEW come in and talk about prevailing or qualified labor for solar installations and they had presented a plan to us. But we never did anything with that; so I would like to find out if that’s something in the future Caucuses that we can discuss. Or if it has to go to a committee; I am okay if that has to go to a committee too. But maybe following up on that presentation they had given. I think that was about two years ago, it was before COVID-19.
Speaker Cowan stated I remember that. Mr. Palmer and I can reach out to Mike and maybe see what Board Members think about it.
X. PUBLIC COMMENT
XI. EXECUTIVE SESSION
XII. ADJOURNMENT
1. Motion to Adjourn @ 7:40 PM
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mica Freeman, Member SECONDER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker AYES: Mueller, Newquist, Koch, Harris, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Cowan, Freeman ABSENT: Tyson, Traynere, VanDuyne |
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