Will County Board Met April 15.
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 Brooks led the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. INVOCATION
Member Brooks introduced the Clergy, Rabbi Jenny Kuvin of Joliet Jewish Congregation.
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) | Absent | |
| 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 |
VI. MOTION TO PLACE ON FILE CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Will County Board - Recessed Meeting - Mar 18, 2021 9:30 AM
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger) SECONDER: Debbie Kraulidis, District 13 (R - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Herbert Brooks Jr., District 8 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
Media present: Farmers Weekly Review, Nick Reiher; Herald News, Alex Ortiz
IX. HONORARY RESOLUTIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
1. Recognizing April as National County Government Month
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, District 8 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Rachel Ventura, District 9 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Denise E. Winfrey, District 8 (D - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
Ms. Dorothy Andrews email read into the record regarding Michelle Stiff Appointment.
Ms. Tifanni Sterdivant email read into the record regarding Michelle Stiff Appointment.
XI. OLD BUSINESS
Status of March 18, 2021 Resolutions/Ordinances
XII. NEW BUSINESS
XIII. LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - T. MARCUM, CHAIR
Member Marcum stated good morning Executive Bertino-Tarrant.
XIV. LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS
1. 21-100 Overturning the Decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission and Approving Appeal #APCD-21-002, by Jeffrey Wingren, 100% Beneficiary of Wingren DG, LLC, Edward Kalina, Agent, Applicant for Zoning Case #ZC-20-080, in Homer Township, Commonly Known as 14815 S. Gougar Road, Homer Glen, IL, County Board District #7 - Resolution Added
Member Fricilone stated this is my district and I am in favor of overturning the decision. I just want everybody to know that. Thank you.
| RESULT: APPROVED [24 TO 1]
MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Tom Weigel, District 12 (R - New Lenox) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis NAYS: Gould ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: REMANDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: REMANDED [UNANIMOUS]
TO: Will County Land Use & Development Committee MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
XV. FINANCE COMMITTEE - K. HARRIS, CHAIR
Good morning Executive Bertino-Tarrant, 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: Frankie Pretzel, District 12 (R - New Lenox) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Donald Gould, District 6 (R - Shorewood) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Frankie Pretzel, District 12 (R - New Lenox) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
Member Berkowicz stated are these temporary or permanent positions? How are they funded?
Mr. Tim Mack stated in terms of the program manager positions, we are taking on an additional $9.6 million in funds which we'll have available for at least the next six years. There is additional funding coming down the line. That's in addition to the typical $3.5 million that we receive, so we are anticipating these to be long term positions.
Member Berkowicz stated you said you are anticipating...how many...
Mr. Tim Mack stated we are looking for two at this time and we're moving funds for this years' budget. We still have grant agreements that will be coming in over the next couple of months for that additional $9.6 million and then above and beyond that, we have our annual allocations and it looks like there will be additional funds for more stimulus initiatives coming later this year. We're looking for two people to help us now and they will be long-term positions.
Member Berkowicz stated if by chance, and I'm sure this never happens, if the HUD program is altered or reduced, do we reduce those positions?
Mr. Tim Mack stated they're grant funded, so if the grant funds are no longer available we would have to reduce those positions.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Denise E. Winfrey, District 8 (D - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Frankie Pretzel, District 12 (R - New Lenox) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
XVI. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE - J. VANDUYNE CHAIR
Member Van Duyne stated thank you Executive Bertino-Tarrant and good morning to everyone.
1. 21-109 Confirming Award of Contract to P.T. Ferro Construction Co. ($452,180.99), Let on March 17, 2021, Cedar Road (CH 4) Resurfacing from 159th Street South to Reiter Drive, County Board District #7
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Herbert Brooks Jr., District 8 (D - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Donald Gould, District 6 (R - Shorewood) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Frankie Pretzel, District 12 (R - New Lenox) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: REMANDED [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/4/2021 9:00 AM TO: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Frankie Pretzel, District 12 (R - New Lenox) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
TO: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Frankie Pretzel, District 12 (R - New Lenox) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
XVII. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE - M. TYSON, CHAIR
Good morning Executive Bertino-Tarrant. Even though we have no resolutions to bring forward this morning, our next committee meeting, which is May 5, we will be bringing forth a resolution to talk about the four consulting firms that we interviewed over the last two weeks. We've ranked them and we're looking forward to a nice Q and A and someone will bring forth a resolution for one of those four consulting firms. That concludes my report, thank you Executive Bertino-Tarrant.
Next Diversity & Inclusion Committee Meeting is Scheduled for May 5, 2021 @ 11:00 a.m.
XVIII. PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE - R. VENTURA, CHAIR
Member Ventura stated we had our normal reports this month so we don't have any agenda items. However, I do want to read a press release that our Health Department sent out about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. "The Will County Health Department announced today they would follow federal and state health agencies recommendation to immediately pause the use of Johnson & Johnson single dose coronavirus vaccine. Will County is following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Illinois Department of Public Health's (IDPH) recommendation to stop distributing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, said Sue Olenek, Executive Director of the Will County Health Department. 99.5% of the 351,992 vaccines that have been distributed by the Will County Health Department have been the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine accounts for less than 1 percent. All of the Will County Health Department's community vaccination clinics have and will continue to use Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, said Olenek. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was used on a limited basis over the past two weeks, and not distributed at our community vaccination clinics. To date, the Health Department has not received any news of recipients having adverse effects from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in Will County. If anyone has concerns about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, they should contact their primary care provider directly, Olenek said. The limited number of people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will receive communication from the Will County Health Department informing them of the CDC's recommendation, and directing them to follow CDC guidelines to contact their primary care physician with concerns. The County Health Department continues to vaccinate nearly 4,000 individuals per day, with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at their five clinics located in Joliet, Wilmington and Monee. All residents 16 and older can find and schedule a vaccination online at willcountyhealth.org." I was able to get my first shot at the government employee with the Moderna vaccine and all is well. I encourage everyone else to please contact willcountyhealth.org to schedule your vaccine if you are eligible.
Next Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting is Scheduled for May 5, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m.
XIX. LEGISLATIVE & JUDICIAL COMMITTEE - D. WINFREY, CHAIR
Member Winfrey stated thank you Executive Bertino-Tarrant, good morning fellow commissioners. The Legislative and Judicial Committee met and had through our federal lobbyist Smith Dawson and Associates an update on the American Rescue Plan and also on the American Jobs Plan. Our state lobbyists, Curry & Associates, gave us an update on all pending state legislation and we looked at the ISACo guidelines and legislation that is pending. Committee will meet again on May 11. Thank you.
Next Legislative & Judicial Committee Meeting is Scheduled for May 11, 2021 @ 9:00 a.m.
XX. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE - H. BROOKS, CHAIR
Member Brooks stated good morning, again, Executive Bertino-Tarrant and ladies and gentleman. Although I was not present for the Capital Improvement Committee...update of the morgue in the plan and currently we have continuous discussions about those.
1. Update on Capital Improvements Projects
Update on Capital Improvements Projects
Next Capital Improvements Committee Meeting is Scheduled for May 4, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m.
XXI. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - M. COWAN, CHAIR
Member Cowan stated we received the State's Attorney's opinion on the Agricultural Area Committee just past 3:00 p.m. yesterday. You have not yet received the resolution for this, so with that in mind, I think everyone would be more comfortable with having some time to look at those documents and discuss them. I would like to make a motion to remand 21-121 back to Executive Committee.
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated we have Farm Bureau President, Mr. Mark Schneidewind, here if we want during discussion. There are a few questions and he's here to answer them.
Member Ogalla stated I would look to Mr. Mark Schneidewind to please give a quick overview as to why the Farm Bureau supports this. I have recently come across some good links that I've sent to Ms. Beth Adams and have asked her to forward to everybody. I think establishing an agricultural area is very, very important for us here in Will County with the pressures that come with development. Mark, if you can please give some benefits to that, I know this Board will need to hear some of them.
Mr. Mark Schneidewind stated thank you for that question. The Will County Farm Bureau has supported the agricultural areas for quite some time. I know way back almost 30 years ago, Mr. Jim Shelby, we worked with him with the County Land Use Department on some of those issues. The main reason that some of our farmers were looking at agricultural areas is because they need to have some type of designation to be recognized. It's just not open space. It's an actual business out there in the community, and some of the developers out there do not think that it's an actual business, they just think it's ready for development. The farmers want to look at some ways to help them protect their farming operations. It doesn't stop, from our experience, anything with imminent domain or quick take. We've seen this actually go to maybe a little further discussion with the people, which has been helpful because it's helped worked some things out with our farming community itself. We've got about 220,000 acres in Will County that are in production in agriculture. That's about 41% of our land. There's a little more acres that are actually in farming, but actually for food and fiber, this is what is important for us. We're trying to do some more local work for us for local foods. I think that this helps (inaudible) designating it. I know that some of them are looking at ways to try to help, as Member Ogalla had mentioned from developmental problems. This brings another step into it that makes you have to go ahead and have to have more conversations with that land owner. That's been our experience in the past and we know that the committee that you're looking at trying to develop as well. We'd be happy to try to work with you on that as well in regards to trying to find some of the members that might serve on that from the farming community because we know you have some rules and regulations that you need to have. I also apologize for not being able to attend your other earlier meeting. I was either out of town or attending another meeting myself. I appreciate that opportunity, and I thank Member Moustis for asking me to send him a letter on that as well.
Member Berkowicz stated the Farmers Weekly Review had an article regarding this issue and I believe there might be one or two farmers that are waiting for this ability to exercise their voice and to join an agricultural area committee. I'm disappointed that this is going to be continued and moved back to committee and I just want to indicate to my fellow Board members that I'd like to get this done because our farmers deserve a voice. I support this and I don't want this prolonged for an unnecessary amount of time. If the Board dictates that it has to go to committee, I'm just asking my fellow Board members, please let's get this done because I believe that these farmers deserve a voice, and we all understand that this does not prevent imminent domain but does allow us to protect some of the diversity in our county, especially our agriculture, which I support. Thank you.
Member Newquist stated I'm a little unclear still on the tangible benefit of this to a farmer who joins, but I have another question as well. Let's say I'm a farmer and I join the committee and now maybe I have a health issue which maybe dictates that I no longer want to farm. I'm no longer physically able to farm and I want to sell my land for whatever reason. What happens then?
Mr. Mark Schneidewind stated it is my understanding that you could sell the property to another farmer as long as it stays in agriculture and you maintain above 100 acres. That's still okay. If you go below that, then you run into a problem. That is our understanding on how that process works. There are other options out there: One, you have to have your farm within your family for 100 years. It's a centennial program that's provided by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. You've seen those signs out in the rural areas. Again, no designation such as this will stop imminent domain or quick take powers. Basically, they're very proud of their heritage and they're trying to get people to recognize that this is an actual business out there, it's not just an open field. It's a business that they're using. Their office space is the great outdoors.
Member Newquist stated so the farmers have to have the farm for over 100 years in their family in order to be eligible to participate in the committee?
Mr. Mark Schneidewind stated for the centennial program, not for the agricultural areas. The agricultural area gives you another option to put the designation on your property. I know your question about that, but it does put it in the program for 10 years. We've heard a lot of people say that they like that in the 10 year program because they also know that plan possibly will not be developed right next to them, as well for that period of time. It's also a safety net for some of the other people that are in those areas as well. I think there's a lot that are scared seeing all the different warehouses that have gone up and a lot of people don't want to see those in their backyard.
Member Moustis stated first, I want to thank Mr. Mark Schneidewind. I believe everybody has seen the letter that was sent out to everyone (inaudible) is strictly a voluntary program. Within a will, a landowner or farmer can say how he wants his property used by future generations, so that's not a concern of mine, that's their right. I've been a little hesitant on how this may affect public projects and affect some developments. The agricultural business in Will County is one of our larger businesses. Small farmers have kind of disappeared, I think. You need a certain amount of production to be successful. Of all the agriculture related businesses that are in this county, including becoming an employment expert for our grains (inaudible) primarily China, it really has an extremely positive affect on our economy. I will be supporting this moving forward. We talk about new development (inaudible) we should also give that same protection to our farmers. I will be supportive of this going forward.
Member Rachel Ventura stated I just want to thank Mr. Mark Schneidewind for coming in and answering our questions. Just like signing a will, your inheritance will have to deal with your decisions. But it's their land and if that individual chooses to protect their land at a higher requirement, then that's their choice. There are people who are asking for this that we should, as a county, work to meet their needs. I'll be supporting this moving forward. If only a few farmers decide to take advantage of it, there's other programs we have that only a few people take advantage of too. I think that with some of the (inaudible) that we've seen, the development, this is important to make sure that, in my opinion, that we need commercial, we need industrial, we need farmland too. We need to eat and we need to make sure that we're allowing those individuals (inaudible). I'll be supporting this going forward. Mr. Mark Schneidewind, thank you so much for coming in and answering our questions.
Member Berkowicz stated Mr. Mark Schneidewind thank you for speaking today. Can we take a vote on postponing this or can we not address this today? After hearing comments, I'm confused as to why we are remanding it back to committee.
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated there is no resolution. So it will be taken back to committee. Basically, you'll be voting to either say "yes" if you want it to go back to committee for a resolution or "no."
Member Berkowicz stated so there's no resolution on the agenda, and for that reason we can't vote on this and pass it or (inaudible) it. Is it because there's no resolution on the agenda?
Assistant State's Attorney Tatroe stated we have always had the resolution available so the County Board members know exactly what it is they're voting on. There are various elements as to how the committee is established and who is included in the appointing authority. I think it's important for the County Board to know. As long as I'm speaking, I think there was a question as to what are the protections of a property in an agricultural area. As long as we have the full County Board here, there are basically three protections provided by statute: One is a limitation on local regulations and that is relative to the regulation of farm structures and farming practices. Will County does not engage in a lot of regulations with regard to farm buildings. We already have (inaudible) restrictions. The second is that state agencies are required to take into consideration any plans that they develop that involve agricultural areas which would probably cause them to modify their plans to protect the areas. And then there's a limitation, and this is the one that Mr. Colin Duesing has raised several times, on imposing benefit assessments or special (inaudible) levys. Just so everyone is clear, those are the three protections provided by being in an agricultural area.
Member Berkowicz stated I guess I'm confused because it's on the agenda but we have to remand it back to committee because we don't have a resolution. I'm just wondering why this wasn't addressed in committee so that when it was brought forward today we could be prepared to act on it? My biggest concern is that we have residents out there who are waiting on us to make a position on this. I'm just confused about why we're not prepared and why now we're going back to committee.
Member Cowan stated we received the resolution this morning just past 3:00 p.m. yesterday. We've had some questions in the last week about not getting information far enough in advance so that County Board members can review it and take their time and be conscientious about their decisions and then take a vote. This is simply my offer of trying to accommodate the wishes of County Board members to make sure they have time to read over and make a conscientious decision and vote, since the resolution is the "meat" of that. That's why I made the motion to remand it back to committee.
Member Moustis stated it's not unusual. We leave spots on the County Board agenda knowing that it's not complete. I would say about half of the time that doesn't happen but (inaudible) back to committee for further discussion before we postpone...which we used to call tabling. This is certainly not unusual and this is not a time-sensitive issue. Pushing it forward as you're asking County Board members to perhaps not get as informed as they would like to be and making decisions. This is not unusual, this happens and if we don't get all the information in a timely manner we postpone it until the next month. That's all we're doing here. This is not something that's time-critical. I support it going back so that all members can be fully educated on all aspects of it.
Member Berkowicz stated thank you Member Moustis, I do appreciate that. I have attended all the meetings and I'm not on that committee, but I'm aware of what's going on because I do attend the meetings even though I'm not on the committee. I take this very seriously because this is their land and their concerns and that's why I came to the County Board. My concern is just that if we have to bring this back and we're not prepared, then maybe we need to spend more time in the committee so that we are not postponing things. That causes confusion when things go back and forth. I am in those meetings and I am listening and asking questions, even though I am not on the committee I know I probably drive everybody crazy. The reason why is because when those things go back and forth, that in itself can cause confusion. I understand the situation, the way it's been described. I am disappointed because this is important to people out there. I'm sure that Mr. Mark Schneidewind can tell us who those people are and he's probably hearing from these farmers who have these concerns, the farmers and the agriculture people who have come forward to ask us for this. I just want to say that from my perspective, I think if we can prevent things being tabled. That should be our goal. Thank you for letting me speak, I appreciate it.
Member Newquist stated I was not able to be at the Executive Committee meeting. Unfortunately, I was not able to hear all of the back and forth. I think this is a really important issue, and in my district in particular, so I would definitely agree with Member Moustis about the reason for postponing. My other question is, do we know how many farmers have requested this so far? Are we talking one or two? I'm just curious as to if anyone has that information.
Member Mourstis stated (Inaudible).
Member Ventura stated I'm going to agree with Member Moustis on the reasons to take their time on this. If there was a time issue then I would understand trying to move forward. Some of this information was provided, I understand the resolution was very short notice. My only concern is sending it back to committee. It seems like we do have everything available and we can obviously have that discussion at the County Board. I would like to amend Member Cowan's motion and not send it back to committee, but to postpone it until next month's County Board meeting.
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated Member Ventura we already have a motion out there right now, so if you could hold off. We're back on the first one.
Member Ventura stated I'm amending her motion.
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated we still have a motion out there.
Member Fricilone stated do farmer's that want to be in these agricultural areas because this is going to stop the airport or stop warehouses?
Mr. Mark Schneidewind stated that's a good question. I think some are just looking for someplace to slow things down. When we talked with them we're telling them it's a government program where if it's some type of a municipal thing, it's probably not going to stop that type of development. It will slow that process down a little bit for other developments. We're not fans of quick-take or imminent domain; we've got proposals and we oppose those, but that's what it is Member Fricilone, it's just a matter of putting something and recognizing that they're a farming business.
Member Fricilone stated I understand that, I get (inaudible) false impression that this is a way to stop it and as soon as they go to court on something..."well, we're in an agricultural area so you can't do it." I don't think that's the purpose of what this agricultural area is, but I do get the feeling that agricultural people think this is going to do. If that's the case, I'm not for it.
Member Ogalla stated I think that this should go back to committee so that people can get a more full understanding of what it is. I did listen to the democratic caucus the other day and there seems to be quite a bit of confusion and understanding about why somebody might want to do this. It's not just a feel good moment, but if you own land and you're a farmer, and it's been your land for generations, it means something to you. When you live in a home and you're not attached to farmland, it's a different type of feeling. I know that, I grew up in the city of Chicago. I lived in Bensonville when I was a teenager, and then I married a farmer. So I understand what it is. His family bought his farm in 1955, which to the farming community, is pretty young. We're talking about many farmers who have had their land for 100 years, some since the 1800's. One of the persons who's interested in this, 140 years...it means something to farmers. You've worked this land, you've improved this land, and you're proud of that fact. I'm putting together an email with a lot of different links from the Illinois Agricultural, the extension, (inaudible). It will explain all of this to so many people who have nothing to do with farmland in order to understand it...the reasons why a farmer might want to designate their land as an agricultural area. The reasons and ways how to (inaudible) culture of area if you want. I think it's important for everyone to read the full links that I am providing and send them also to Executive Bertino Tarrant so you can see them yourself so that everyone can understand the purpose of it. The purpose also includes the fact that in Illinois we lose farmland at a very high rate all the time. So many people on this Board support green initiatives. They support protecting the environment, yet we don't think that anything like an agricultural area is important. It's so hypocritical in my mind that these comments come out. I think everyone should take the time. I hope everyone will take the time to fully read the links that I will be providing in an email, I'll send them to Ms. Beth Adams so she can send it on to Member Cowan and Member Cowan can go ahead and disseminate them to everybody so that we can have a full understanding. I do think it should go back to the Executive Committee so the conversation can be had there. I think once people see this and get a better understanding of what it is and why it is. Sometimes, as a farmer, it is a feel good moment. Our farm is a 2002 conservation award winning farm from (inaudible) conservation district. We put in hundreds of hours putting in different kinds of conservation methods on our farm to achieve that award. At the Forest Preserve, where we all sit at, we use these conservation practices now in our farmland. We used to not do that and once I got involved with that I thought it was important for the Forest Preserve to adopt those practices and our farmers lease that property, use those practices. The Forest Preserve is to preserve it. This is the way conservation practices help to make it a better faming parcel, by keeping the soil in tact, by keeping the water clean around it. Everyone needs to understand this. As Member Moustis had said, agriculture is a very important industry in Will County, in Illinois, in the United States. We are very blessed to have fabulous soils to grow good products, to raise animals on. Hopefully you'll take the time to read all of that. Member Ventura I hope you take back your motion because I think it should go back to the committee for discussion. Thank you.
Member Moustis stated I've given this a lot of thought and my first reaction was (inaudible) but as Mr. Mark Schneidewind mentioned earlier, this is a business. There are zoning laws that protect certain activities from encroaching on other (inaudible) so we created zones and try not to let different zoning applications affect those. This is agriculture business and we have some other businesses encroach on them, that affects their business. This is where I think it should go back for further discussion. We can talk about the agricultural business...not farmers. Farming is their business, agriculture is their business. I am approaching this more as preserving a very important business within Will County, and the jobs and the economic development it brings in and the economic impact. We wipe out one industry for another. If this helps define, and perhaps protect our agriculture business, and I understand I can affect perhaps future involvement or a few more hoops to go through. At the end of the day it's up to that landowner whether he's going to sell to a developer for whatever use. Let's let it go back and we can have some real discussion. I'm hoping Mr. Mark Schneidewind can attend or a representative can attend that meeting and let's talk about farming and agriculture business and the impact of that business.
Assistant States Attorney Tatroe stated the motion that Member Ventura made was not really a motion to amend, it was a new motion. I think all the County Board members are aware that she would like to postpone, so the proper procedure would be to move forward on the motion to remand unless the County Board member who made the motion wishes to withdraw it. You would have a vote on the motion to remand. If that fails, then you would move forward on the motion to postpone.
1. 21-121 21-121 Establishing an Agricultural Area Committee for Will County - To Be Distributed
| RESULT: REMANDED [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/6/2021 10:00 AM TO: Will County Executive Committee
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Denise E. Winfrey, District 8 (D - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated I'll make sure Land Use gets in touch with you as well as anyone else who has additional questions.
3. 21-123 Supporting the Extension of the Plainfield Downtown TIF District and Authorizing the County Executive to Execute the Related Intergovernmental Agreement - Attachment Added
Member Ventura stated (inaudible) some information about the dollars the forest preserve will be using. I don't think this is an appropriate use of extending this TIF. I understand the argument that those dollars are going back into revitalizing or rebuilding Plainfield. These businesses are thriving very much so and it's time for everyone to pay their fair share, including the businesses that have been able to utilize this TIF and are now...I don't like the fact that TIF's put a burden on the property tax owners. I understand it's a blighted area, why it's much needed, but this is no longer a blighted area. I am not in support of this TIF and I hope that everyone who wants to keep property taxes low, who has concerns about rising property taxes, will also vote no on this. I do think we need some more information about how this is going to impact the county.
Mr. Jake Melrose stated I'm the Economic Develop Manager for the Village of Plainfield. As you know, the village is seeking the county's support to extend the village's downtown TIF district which is set to expire in December. That means the TIF district would be extended for an additional 12 years. As many of you know, the downtown TIF district is a historic area and obviously, one of the oldest in Will County. Many of the buildings predate the 1890's. Many of the main streets in the 80's and 90's saw a lack of reinvestment and blight. In 1993 the village enacted a TIF district that froze the property values of the district, which means the taxing bodies would then collect at that base value for the remainder of that TIF and everything beyond that, once reinvestment was to occur, could be captured, and utilized over the TIF district. On Plainfield's insistence, the village created a new streetscape while also removing Route 30 outside of the downtown area. The downtown streetscape was started in 2003 and was finished in late 2008. But as we all know what happened in 2009...the recession. The TIF district saw a jump in the equalized assessed value in that area in 2009, but it saw nothing but stagnant growth from there on out for at least eight years of that TIF, which represents a large portion of a TIF's life. The initial redevelopment study of the TIF district projected nearly $16 billion (inaudible) at the time of the expiration this year. Unfortunately, the district is closer to $9 million. That's a significant loss of value. The village did make great strides. We see the streetscape and we see the downtown, but there's still more work to be done. There's still more parking that needs to be done, more streetscape and more infrastructure improvements, that simply couldn't be completed due to that loss. Another reason for the extension is to ensure that the burden of maintenance remains on the village and on the TIF district. Many of the downtowns that have intricate streetscape, they utilize special service areas or business improvement districts which can create a separate tax line on property owners' tax bills. More often than not, those fees are passed down to their tenants and businesses will end up having to pay to County Area Maintenance, or CAM. That's something we truly want to avoid. Plainfield's downtown is primarily small businesses and family owned which we love and want to continue to nurture and we want to avoid passing along any more burden than we can. We are strong and we are starting to see great growth for the past three or four years. In our restaurant scene, we are still working to recruit retail and this helps our recruit efforts as well by keeping a baseline level where we can keep lease rates balanced and stabilized. In order for us to move the extension forward, the village seeks the county's support by proposing an Intergovernmental Agreement and split the TIF increment produced from the district with local taxing bodies while they still collect a base value. Plainfield has already received support from School District 202, the Plainfield Park District, the Plainfield Fire District, Plainfield Township, the Plainfield Library District, as well as Joliet Junior College. As far as the numbers are concerned with the (inaudible) being proposed and with the base value of the TIF, all taxing bodies will essentially receive around 60-65% of what the actual property tax bill will be. The other remaining portion of it will be allocated into the increment process. As far as property tax bills, it's not necessarily the businesses that pay their fair share as far as property taxes. Property taxes for the TIF is just simply collecting. It's not a grant or anything to a property owner or a direct benefit. It's simply to provide a level of reimbursement and the ability to provide extra incentive to gain more reinvestment into that district. It's not an extra grant or anything like that, that somebody in the TIF district can receive. If there are any further questions I'd be glad to answer them.
Member Ogalla stated I heard you say the TIF money being collected is being split now on top of the base and reimbursed to the local taxing body. Did you say that?
Mr. Jake Melrose stated yes. The Intergovernmental Agreement proposed to split the remainder of the TIF increment 50/50 and that 50% will be reallocated based off of the taxing bodies tax rate.
Member Ventura stated in essence this is a tax on businesses not on residents. I want to make sure that we're not confusing the argument here. My point was that this puts the burden on the individual taxpayer, a TIF does, and indeed if you were to create an SSA instead of doing this TIF it would be quite the opposite. It would put that burden on the business owners and the reason for that is they pay an extra tax, but that tax goes into supporting that area specifically on things you're talking about, whether it's lighting or parking lots or signage, all of those things is exactly what an SSA is. That move would absolutely be more appropriate than extending a TIF. When you talk about putting that investment back in, those dollars, that investment is going back into the business owners so it is an incentive to the business. The person who pays for that is the property owners. I want to be very clear that when people vote yes for this, it is possibly going to increase taxes of the property because those areas that don't have sales revenue like the forest preserve, the park district, the school board, they don't see increased sales revenue. So the only way to pay those bills that they still have is to increase property taxes. I am going to be very clear what an SSA is and what this TIF does. Also, I understand you said 60-65% on the IGA. While that might give us an incentive to go in on this, we still have to look out for our property owners. I still have not heard a hard number on over the next 10 years how much money the county is looking to lose by agreeing to this TIF. Thank you.
| RESULT: APPROVED [17 TO 8]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Gretchen Fritz, District 5 (R - Plainfield) AYES: Newquist, Tyson, Harris, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis NAYS: Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Traynere, Balich, Parker, Ventura, Pretzel ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [24 TO 0]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSTAIN: Fritz ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Herbert Brooks Jr., District 8 (D - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Kenneth E. Harris, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Margaret Tyson, District 3 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Margaret Tyson, District 3 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
XXII. APPOINTMENTS BY THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE
1. April 2021 Will County Executive Appointments
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch |
Mr. Mark Schneidewind thanked the Will County Health Department for their clinics and Land Use for their recycling program.
XXIV. COMMENTS BY COUNTY BOARD MEMBERS
Member Gould stated I would like to commend the Will County Risk Management Agency for their efforts in establishing vaccination clinics in the county. As you know, we have had a very small (inaudible) by county standards, but Mr. Harold Damron and staff worked very hard to get these sites up and running and providing invaluable assistance to the Health Department. I would also like to thank Executive Bertino-Tarrant for your efforts in getting theses vaccination sites operational and for your leadership in coordinating between various departments in the county. Thank you.
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated I would like to echo the excellent work of our EMA efforts.
Member Ventura stated I just want to echo all the work that people are doing for the vaccine clinics. I have two other comments, one about Earth Day. I really encourage everyone to go to willcountygreen.com to see all the events you can participate in for
Earth Day here in our county. (Inaudible) forest preserve, enjoy our mother earth, participate in clean ups or helping with some other initiatives. I highly recommend that. The last comment I would like to make is about our elections recently. Will County, once again, had a low voter turnout but I'd like to give kudos to our clerk who sent an email to all of those who received a Vote by Mail ballot in the past, encouraging them to get another one. This is the type of progress I'd like to see in the county. Thank you Clerk Lauren Staley Ferry for being proactive in trying to turn out our voters. I hope moving forward we can continue those efforts. I know you've been busy with recounts, I'm sure your office is very busy with that, but thank you for all of your hard work. I would like to thank the people who did come out, but in the future getting others to turn out is part of our democracy and I would absolutely like to see our county have discussions about what we can do to help these efforts. I brought up at caucus a possible resolution for our future County Board committee meetings that land on Election Day to have that day off for committee, more so just moving it to a different date. I'd like to see that in writing so that moving forward, people can participate in Election Day and not have to decide between their County Board duties or their civic duties. Thank you to those that voted; it really helped increase voter turnout, but I'd like to see us move more aggressively. Thank you and enjoy your April.
XXV. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, MINORITY LEADER AND COUNTY BOARD SPEAKER
Announcements by County Board Majority Leader, Meta Mueller
Member Mueller stated I'd like to acknowledge that today is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Thirty years ago, Congress issued a formal proclamation designating this week of April as National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week. Unfortunately, I didn't get this proclamation on fast enough for this month's Board meeting. I know all three of these (inaudible) really important in our community. Our first, and most critical contact for citizens when there's emergencies. In 2020 alone, our Will County Public Safety Telecommunicators, 9-1-1 operators, handled 316,000 emergency calls. They contribute to a better quality of life for all of us, visitors and residents in the county, and they each challenge us with compassion and understanding and professionalism. Please take some time this week to honor the men and women who answer our 9-1-1 calls. Thank them, reach out and let them know you're glad they're there for us because they do a lot of work to help keep our county and our citizens safe and we appreciate them. I also want to comment about the progress with the vaccine and the work the EMA has done. It has been a really busy month. I think you've done a great job and I hope we can keep it up. Everyone have a great rest of April. Thank you.
Announcements by County Board Minority Leader, Mike Fricilone
Member Fricilone stated good morning. This past week we submitted probably 20 different projects to our congressional representatives for earmarks that are happening at the federal government right now. These projects are for all over the county and they're dealing with transportation issues, water and sewer issues, and substance abuse issues. Hopefully we'll make the final cut on several of those projects so keep your fingers crossed. I really wanted to thank the County Board staff and the Executive's office staff for all the hard work they put in assembling all the information and all the backup, all the letters of support from the mayors and local agencies to support us in our effort for submission, especially in such short notice. It happened in about a weeks time, so thanks to all those groups for helping out. Hopefully it will be coming back soon. In the meantime, I want to continue to thank our County Board staff for dealing with these virtual meetings. All of us have had issues with our internet going out or cameras or audio, but imagine what Ms. Beth Adams, Ms. Lona Jakaitis and Ms. Sandy Ceci have to do dealing with all 26 of us and all the other staff trying to keep the meetings going, keep everybody lit up, keep the microphones going. So thanks to that group for everything they've done on these virtual meetings. Finally, many of our schools are back full-time. I talked to our high school superintendent and he said it's a whole new experience for them and they're dealing with a lot of new issues, but they're fun issues because everybody's back. Especially with the elementary kids, the busses are out in force now kids are letting off some steam and running around out in the street getting their bus. Keep an eye out for the youngsters. Everybody else get out this weekend, it's going to be nice and start working in that yard. Thanks and have a good weekend.
Announcements by County Board Speaker, Mimi Cowan
Member Cowan stated as Member Fricilone said, the staff of both the County Board and the Executive's office really worked hard on gathering information for us to be able to put in for some of those federal grant dollars. In addition to that, the Executive's office and our office also worked to support other community projects in Will County, so it's not just projects being sponsored by the county. We're helping to support and bring that federal investment money back to Will County, but we are supporting projects at the municipal level and offering them our support so that they can get some of that federal support as well, and hopefully the functions to bring some of that federal grant money back to Will County and used is a really positive way that will have long lasting benefits for all of our residents. I would also like to echo Member Ventura's comment about Clerk Staley Ferry's handling of this last election...it was great. As always, her staff remains very accessible and very responsive. I know up in our area we had a very unique emergency after the polls closed on election night and I was thoroughly impressed by the professionalism and the speed at which County Clerk Staley Ferry's office was able to handle that emergency. Thank you to Clerk Staley Ferry and her staff. Just a reminder to our Board members, we are celebrating National County Government month. I hope you all take that opportunity to promote what we do a little bit harder. I know that's something we try to do all the time, but some of our residents don't know what county government does, so this is a really great opportunity to help educate your residents about the importance of county government. Write a letter to the editor, post on your social media and do what you can to get that message out. I would also like to acknowledge that April is Sikh Heritage Month. Lastly, I'd like for us to move towards in-person committee meetings. We can host them in the board room as there is enough room to spread out. I would ask that committee members if you feel it is safe for you to attend, please begin attending in person. We will continue to offer the online platform for those who feel it is not in the best interest in their health to attend in person and also for our community members who don't feel it is in their best interest to attend in person. We will be adhering to social distancing. You will be required to wear a mask, except when speaking and we will also adhere to capacity limits that are in place at the moment. At this point, if you do not plan on attending in person, please let staff know. We will keep our full County Board meeting remote, because between the 26 of us, Executive Bertino-Tarrant and her staff and other staff that attend, we would quickly reach the capacity limit. Those are my comments for today. Thank you very much.
XXVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion to go into Executive Session
| RESULT: APPROVED [22 TO 0]
MOVER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) SECONDER: Raquel M. Mitchell, District 3 (R - Bolingbrook) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Moustis, Mitchell, Tyson, Harris, Fritz, Gould, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman, Kraulidis ABSENT: Koch LEFT MEETING: Traynere, VanDuyne AWAY: Mueller |
https://willcountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=4037&Inline=True
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