Will County Board met Feb. 25.
Here are 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 Ventura led the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. INVOCATION
Member Ventura introduced the Clergy, Aamer Abdul-Jaleel.
IV. ROLL CALL
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Sherry Newquist | District 1 (D - Steger) | Present | |
| Judy Ogalla | District 1 (R - Monee) | Present | |
| Amanda Koch | District 2 (D - Frankfort) | Present | |
| Jim Moustis | District 2 (R - Frankfort) | Absent | |
| Raquel M. Mitchell | District 3 (R - Bolingbrook) | Present | |
| Margaret Tyson | District 3 (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) | Late | |
| 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 |
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| 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) | Absent |
VI. MOTION TO PLACE ON FILE CERTIFICATE OF PUBLICATION
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Herbert Brooks Jr., District 8 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
1. Will County Board - Special Meeting - Jan 6, 2022 2:00 PM
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) SECONDER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
IX. HONORARY RESOLUTIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
1. Recognizing February as Black History Month
Member Winfrey presented the proclamation for Black History Month.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, District 8 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Herbert Brooks Jr., District 8 (D - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
XI. OLD BUSINESS
Status of January 20, 2022 Resolutions/Ordinances
XII. NEW BUSINESS
1. Election of County Board Chair
Member Fricilone stated since there’s been multiple conversations with some of the Democrats with my caucus, and we know this is to appoint the person to replace our vacancy, I am going to abstain and I’m asking my caucus to do the same. The Democrats can do whatever they want with the Chair and the person. I’d ask my caucus to abstain on this one. Thank you.
Member Ogalla stated with us doing this today, and I know we have to do this because Mr. Ken Harris has left and we need to fill his seat, I am obviously going to be following and doing exactly what Member Fricilone has done. I am upset with the legislation that is going on in Springfield. I have sat back and heard both sides of the aisle talk about the fact that there is a power struggle between both sides. I didn’t want to think about, I didn’t want to think it was possible, I was trying to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. But I have seen this go on and on and on and the current legislation is very alarming to want to have more power taken away from the County Board.
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated Member Ogalla this has nothing to do with the legislation so would you like to comment on the Board Chair?
Member Ogalla stated it may not have anything to do with it, but that is how I am making my vote today.
| RESULT: APPROVED [12 TO 0]
MOVER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) AYES: Newquist, Koch, Tyson, Traynere, Mueller, VanDuyne, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Coleman, Marcum, Cowan, Freeman ABSTAIN: Ogalla, Mitchell, Fritz, Gould, Fricilone, Parker, Ventura, Berkowicz, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis AWAY: Balich |
Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated I don’t think the vote requires a vote of the full Board, it requires a vote of those present. There is no statutory requirement that the vote be of the entire Board. As such, it is only of the members present at the meeting.
2. Appointment to District #4
Member Ventura stated in light of all the recent lawsuits on this appointment and the fact we have to redo the Chair, redo the language, there has been quite a lot of discussion, not about the person in question, but about the process. I want to be very clear that this has nothing to do with the individual. However, when we appointed for the Executive’s seat when there was a vacancy, we had discussed amongst both caucuses the importance of electing someone who was not running for office. That’s how we came to Member Winfrey, who we believed was very capable and qualified, but also not currently running for office. So, we were all proud to support her in that roll. There have been conversations that this (inaudible) should have been done here for this position, that someone not running for office should have been appointed for this position. For that reason, and for that reason alone, I will be voting “no” on this appointment. Thank you.
Member Van Duyne stated thank you Executive Bertino-Tarrant. I truly don’t understand the philosophy because I don’t know if anybody is actually running for any position. Just because you pull a petition does not mean you’re actually on a ballot. I think that position that was taken is inaccurate. Thank you.
Member Fricilone stated I just want to reiterate, like I did on the last vote, I’ll be abstaining. My colleagues on the other side can put who they want in that position, and I ask my caucus to abstain as well.
| RESULT: FAILED [11 TO 1]
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Koch, Tyson, Mueller, VanDuyne, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Coleman, Marcum, Cowan, Freeman NAYS: Ventura ABSTAIN: Ogalla, Mitchell, Traynere, Fritz, Gould, Balich, Fricilone, Parker, Berkowicz, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
XIII. LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - T. MARCUM, CHAIR
XIV. LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS
Member Marcum stated good morning, everybody.
1. 21-429 Overturning the Decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission and Approving Appeal #APCD-21-005 by Nora Perez, Applicant for Zoning Case #ZC 21-071, in Joliet Township, Commonly Known as 2117 Maple Road, Joliet, IL, PIN #30-07-01-200-018-0000, County Board District #8
| RESULT: FAILED [12 TO 11]
MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) AYES: Ogalla, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Mueller, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Berkowicz, Pretzel NAYS: Newquist, Koch, Fritz, Gould, Balich, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Marcum, Cowan, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Tyler Marcum, District 10 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Tom Weigel, District 12 (R - New Lenox) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
Member Traynere stated good morning Executive Bertino-Tarrant and fellow County Board members.
1. Monthly Financial Reports to be Placed on File
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Herbert Brooks Jr., District 8 (D - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
XVI. PUBLIC WORKS & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE - J. VANDUYNE CHAIR Member Van Duyne stated good morning Executive Bertino-Tarrant and good morning to everyone at our meeting this morning.
1. 22-29 Adopting the Will County ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) Opportunities Plan
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Sherry Newquist, District 1 (D - Steger) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) SECONDER: Frankie Pretzel, District 12 (R - New Lenox) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
Member Tyson stated good morning Executive Bertino-Tarrant, and good morning everyone else.
Next Diversity & Inclusion Committee Meeting is Scheduled for March 2, 2022 @ 10:00 a.m.
XVIII. PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE - R. VENTURA, CHAIR
1. Report to be Placed on File
Member Ventura stated to provide highlights, they had 530 professional educators get their licenses this last quarter, 255 substitute teachers received licenses and 75 paraprofessionals. There were also 320 bus drivers within the driver training classes to either renew their license or to get a new one.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Rachel Ventura, District 9 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Judy Ogalla, District 1 (R - Monee) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
Member Fricilone stated I will be voting “no” on this issue. This motion talks about the homelessness in the United States. We’re voting on a public health emergency in Will County. I don’t see enough data to show that it is a public health emergency in our county, so I’ll be voting “no.” I encourage my caucus to do the same.
Member Balich stated I am also going to be a “no” vote. I think we have so many things going wrong in this country, to single out homelessness, people that don’t have a place to live…it’s horrible. But we have so many other things going bad, so if we’re going to do something for one, we should be doing something for all. I’m going to be a “no” vote.
Member Ventura stated the first part of the resolution does talk about the U.S., but the second part does talk about Will County. On average, we have one percent of homelessness throughout our communities. Furthermore, 30% of people experiencing homelessness in Will County are children. So, while we do have a lot of issues, voting to say that this is also important does not undermine any other issues in the county. What this resolution does is allow us to create a (inaudible) so we can have some outcome (inaudible) responses to this so we’re not just throwing money at a problem…we’re actually using the data to see what is working in our county, what is not, so that we have the means to move forward with a solution to make sure that there’s a process to get people into homes, into jobs, working and being a functional member of society and having the security of a house. That is what this resolution is doing. It is (inaudible) as it pertains specifically to Will County. We did include the initial part that talks about the U.S. so people understand it’s not just happening here. This does happen in our rural areas and our city areas, so it’s not a problem in just one area, it’s a problem across the board. (Inaudible) routinely around the 300 mark for our county. I would hope that everybody would want people to have the security and safety of a home, and this allows our county to get the data as needed so we can create the correct solutions so we’re not just throwing money at a problem, we’re actually helping people get into their homes.
Member Fricilone stated I understand homelessness and I think we ought to deal with it. If we’re creating a public health emergency just to create data, that doesn’t make sense to me. We can go out and get data without creating a public health emergency, so I will still be voting “no.”
Member Ventura stated we’re not creating the emergency, it already exists. We’re just acknowledging it so that we can do something about it.
Member Ogalla stated I would think this could fall under Diversity and Inclusion because people are homeless in any walk of life and any race, so I think perhaps we could use the Diversity and Inclusion Committee to do that and to find these numbers. Then, if we find these numbers, we can go ahead and approve a resolution stating it is a public emergency in Will County.
Member Mitchell stated there are other things where children are concerned that we can focus on such as child sex trafficking in this county that’s also very prescient. Not that I don’t care about children or care about homelessness, I think it’s horrible, and if I had it, I would give everybody a place and a roof over their heads, but I will be a “no.” Thank you.
| RESULT: APPROVED [13 TO 10]
TO: Will County Public Health & Safety Committee MOVER: Rachel Ventura, District 9 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Koch, Tyson, Traynere, Mueller, VanDuyne, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Cowan, Freeman NAYS: Ogalla, Mitchell, Fritz, Gould, Balich, Fricilone, Parker, Berkowicz, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [22 TO 1]
MOVER: Rachel Ventura, District 9 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman NAYS: Balich ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
1. 22-35 Establishing FY2023 Federal Legislative Agenda & Priorities
Member Fritz stated I just wanted to point out a couple of mistakes. On page one, it says the cost for the new bridges on I-80 is estimated to be $350 million, and then on page four it says the cost is estimated to be $300 million. So that should probably be corrected. Then, also on page four, the very last sentence on page four, I think there’s a word missing, so that should probably be fixed. Those are my comments. Thank you.
Member Winfrey stated thank you Member Fritz, I’ll take care of those.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Denise E. Winfrey, District 8 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Rachel Ventura, District 9 (D - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [20 TO 2]
MOVER: Rachel Ventura, District 9 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Jacqueline Traynere, District 4 (D - Bolingbrook) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman NAYS: VanDuyne, Marcum ABSTAIN: Coleman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
Member Ventura stated in here we discussed possibly redoing the language for the Executive (inaudible) been added to this. However, there has been movement in Springfield, so in light of the recent legislation, a “no” vote on SB1015 and to support HB4787, that bill basically upholds the Appellate Court right now, whereas the SB1015 provides additional powers to the Executive, and I am not comfortable with that. My motion will be to amend our Legislative Agenda to ask the legislature to vote “no” on SB1015 and support HB4787.
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated we have a motion and a second to amend the State Legislative Agenda.
Member Fricilone stated I would agree with that, but I think you’re going to be a little too late. It’s rolling through the House right now. My comment is, who is going to carry the State Agenda down there? If it’s going to be Curry and Associates, I would say we should have a meeting with them, the next legislative meeting, and look at terminating their contract. They didn’t even make us aware of this legislation that’s going through right this minute, that was passed by the Senate yesterday and directly reflects on how we proceed as a County Board. I am not in favor of them carrying this down for us and I’m not in favor of keeping them on if they’re not going to support us. They work for us. I will be a “no” as well.
Member Ventura stated you want to vote “yes” for the amendment too?
Member Fricilone stated I guess I would vote “yes” but it’s going to be too late. It passed in the Senate yesterday and they’re running it through the House right now.
Speaker Cowan stated Member Ventura made a motion to amend the motion to include a “no” vote on SB1015.
Member Ventura stated I think it’s important for us to put it out there where we stand, that the Will County Board does not support this. That’s important to have that on record.
Member Fricilone stated I vote “yes” for the amendment.
Speaker Cowan stated I agree with some of what Member Fricilone said. I know Ms. Julie Curry called our Chief of Staff yesterday when she heard about the bill being filed. I know the Board members would like time to discuss the bill and whether or not they can support it or whether or not it is positive or negative. I think there are parts of the bill that are positive and some things that maybe people have questions about. I am not sure I am ready to say we oppose the bill, but I do think we should have time to openly discuss it. As Member Fricilone pointed out this is moving quickly, so that presents a problem as well.
Member Balich stated I agree with Member Fricilone. I am kind of disgusted because I read the whole thing and it’s not what I like. I would like the amendment to say that we don’t like it.
Member Newquist stated I was going to say that I agree with Speaker Cowan. I got this information last night and I was not able to even look at it because I had a previous engagement, so I am not prepared to vote on this today one way or the other. I’m not sure how to handle that, but maybe do we need to separate out Federal Legislative Agenda from the State Legislative Agenda? I know that it’s going on now and we’re going to be too late to do anything about it, but does it make sense to separate out those two and revisit the State Legislative Agenda and Priorities, so we have some time to review this?
Member Winfrey stated the State and the Federal are separate. We’ve already approved the Federal with the noted changes. The State can be sent separately. I hear the comments about the amendment, and about the changes that are happening in Springfield, and I believe, personally, they are moving way too fast for people to have a chance to express your opinion and make it known to the legislators where they stand, whatever that position may be. I agree that it’s too late to put it on to the State Agenda if we move the State Agenda forward today. I could be swayed either way. I could move it today with the amendment saying, “This is not working.” Although, I don’t know that’s the position of all Board members since we haven’t had a chance to talk together. So, I would suggest that maybe we hold the State Agenda separately and move that forward after everyone has had a chance to talk together to be clear on positions on that legislation, so that we can either include it or not as this Body agrees.
Member Ventura stated we have a motion on the table, but also this is getting pushed (inaudible) so if we don’t vote on this today it truly won’t matter. If we get this on the record, there is a chance the House could at least postpone it so we can at least have time to talk about it.
Member Ogalla stated I think this is important to go ahead and move this forward today with the amendment. Those who don’t know if they should vote one way or the other, they can vote “no” for the amendment. I think it’s very important for us to do that. This legislation is moving very fast down in Springfield. I feel us being notified yesterday morning (inaudible) last night without us being able to have that conversation as we were all busy doing other things. I think that this language is very worrisome and it does divide the Board. It divides the Board and it takes away the thought process that we’ve had for a very long time. I can say that when I served under Mr. Larry Walsh I always thought that he was working with us, for the people, and not for his own particular gain or power or party or anything like that. Obviously, there were times that we didn’t agree and that was noted, but that is normal. I will definitely be supporting this amendment. I think we should put it forward, and I hope everyone will be able to contact their representatives. Thank you.
Member Traynere stated I do think this vote on this amendment is extremely important. I have been in touch with legislators in Springfield, and I will certainly pass on this vote should it be a “yes” vote.
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated Member Ventura please clarify your amendment, so everyone knows what they’re voting on.
Member Ventura stated the motion is to amend and to ask that they vote “no” on SB1015, and to support HB4787.
| RESULT: APPROVED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Rachel Ventura, District 9 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
Member Brooks stated good morning Executive Bertino-Tarrant and ladies and gentleman.
1. Update on Capital Improvements Projects
2. 22-37 Authorizing the County Executive to Execute an Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Stromsland, DeYoung & Prybys for Professional Design Services Required for Renovations to the Will County Community Health Center
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Herbert Brooks Jr., District 8 (D - Joliet) SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, District 6 (D - Wilmington) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
XXI. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - M. COWAN, CHAIR
Speaker Cowan stated good morning.
1. 22-38 Authorizing the County Executive to Petition the City of Joliet for Annexation of a Will County Campus Parcel Pursuant to the County’s Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Joliet
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
Speaker Cowan stated as you may recall, this item has been updated since the original February Board meeting, following some of the conversations we had with Anser, the consulting organization. County Board leadership and Executive Bertino-Tarrant has met with Anser recently, so we are setting the pillars for a targeted amount of spending in each area as we go forward into this. If we need to amend those pillars, we will do so as necessary. Leadership has agreed that the county should (inaudible) a $10 million revenue replacement. That’s on advice from Anser. Our next steps will be to work through the the Executive Committee to formalize the spending plans for the ARPA.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
Speaker Cowan stated this item was originally recommended by the State’s Attorney so that the Executive Committee has the full authority to approve items related to ARPA. We didn’t do this formally through the CARES program even though the CARES Committee did have that approval. So, we’re putting our ducks in order on this one. Of course, all Board members are welcome to participate in conversations about ARPA in the Executive Committee.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Denise E. Winfrey, District 8 (D - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Denise E. Winfrey, District 8 (D - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Coleman, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis |
Speaker Cowan stated this has been amended since we’ve discussed it at Executive Committee on advice of our labor attorneys and per request from the State’s Attorney’s committee. As you may recall, this item was originally brought forward by the Executive’s Office and Juneteenth is already a federal holiday, but we have amended this resolution slightly to direct the County Executive to negotiate this as a federal holiday.
Member Fricilone stated Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe what are we actually doing?
Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated as drafted, it’s directing the County Executive to negotiate with the Union regarding recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday pursuant to labor law which requires that employers enter into negotiation for benefits that are given. You just can’t unilaterally give the benefit without negotiating with the Union.
Member Fricilone stated to me, it says that the Board is saying, “go ahead and make that part of the negotiation but give them the holiday.” I think it’s part of a negotiation. We are in active negotiations with the Union right now, and I think that should be discussed on that level in Executive Session so that all things are on the table so that we’re not saying, “Here, this is a holiday, go for it.”
Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated it’s saying that (inaudible) should enter into negotiations. This could be done in multiple ways. It can be done as part of the overall collective bargaining process, it could also be negotiated as a MOU, it could be that it’s a MOU for this year only with the proviso that whether or not it’s paid to be part of the overall collective bargaining process; so there are different ways it could be approached.
Member Fricilone stated that’s what I’m saying. We’re in the collective bargaining process right now, all things are on the table. We have negotiators to do that. That information is not out in the public, nor should it be. It’s an Executive Session when they bring back options for us. Whether they bring this option back or not should be up to our negotiating team. I don’t think we should be voting on it at this point because it seems like we’re already saying, “Here it is.” That’s where I have a concern.
Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated that’s a policy question for the Board.
Member Ogalla stated I agree with what Member Fricilone has said. We recognize the fact that this is a federal holiday. One of the things that we talked about before, we need to have a conversation about will we take away Lincoln’s Birthday and roll that into President’s Day as others do and this will take its place? We need to have that conversation because we know it costs us nearly $600,000 for every day off that our employees have. This is a funding issue, it’s an issue to determine how many holidays our employees should have and how many we ask the taxpayers to pay for. I agree entirely with Member Fricilone that this is something that we should be using in negotiations. Thank you.
Member Brooks stated Executive Bertino-Tarrant, when we brought this matter up a couple of weeks ago, one of the comments that I said was that I really do believe that with 26 County Board members (inaudible) cost ought to be a concern to all of us. However, understanding what Juneteenth means to a lot of people as a holiday, I think what ought to be evenly important is not just the cost, but the cause. Thank you.
| RESULT: APPROVED [13 TO 9]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Koch, Tyson, Traynere, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Marcum, Cowan, Freeman NAYS: Ogalla, Mitchell, Fritz, Balich, Fricilone, Parker, Berkowicz, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis LEFT MEETING: Coleman |
Member Balich stated when you talk about a Climate Action Plan for a Chicago region, about a year ago gas was under two dollars and natural gas that we use for heating…everything went up. A little while ago we were talking about homelessness. How many people can afford the excess energy costs that are going on? You just say there’s a Climate Action Plan, but does anybody think of the consequences? I don’t see where any of that is going on. I can’t vote for garbage like that. This is based on saying that we have a climate problem and there’s a lot of discrepancy on both sides. This is something I could never vote for, and I don’t even know why we have it on there. Like Member Gould said, how many jobs are going to get lost? How much higher are the costs for energy that will cost the people of Will County? We can’t vote for something like this unless we’re a bunch of goofballs. I’m going to vote “no.” Thank you.
Member Ventura stated I think Member Balich bringing up energy bills is a good thing because that’s one of these things that the climate plan actually addresses. Here in our county (inaudible) having more energy efficiency when it comes to our HVAC units and our insulation, and this is one of the things we need to move forward towards. The entire country, not just our county. This is something that has been looked at multiple times. In order to lower those energy bills and make your (inaudible) more cost effective, we have to start having bills and legislation and building codes that help us prevent the loss of heat and air conditioning. So that’s an excellent point you brought. But to this point, the resolution that’s included in our packet does specifically outline the things that the county has been doing, as well as the things that coalesce with the climate plan and why we are endorsing this document. Furthermore, the state (inaudible) last year which will amplify us moving these jobs into more green areas, including labor. Labor was definitely at the table when they had those discussions. This, again, is helping making sure people can keep their jobs, that we do feel our homes and our cars is better for the planet and is more sustainable and is cheaper for our pocketbooks. Nobody wants anyone to lose those jobs, that’s why we need to move things over, so they are still making the same amount of money, but we’re moving into a greener renewable world. This is the wave of the future. Will County continues to be at the forefront of it and I hope that we stay there. For that, I will be voting “yes” and I encourage others to do the same. We are very concerned with the labor jobs, and we want to make sure that we hold on to those and that’s part of what this plan does. Thank you.
Member Traynere stated Member Ventura pretty much said everything I planned to say. Labor has definitely been at the table in various (inaudible) in this whole process. They understand the need to move to alternative energy sources. The electrical workers union actually has a huge training ground right along highway 294 just slightly north of Will County. These changes need to happen in order to lower energy costs and I’m sure if we are on the proactive end of this instead of the reactive end that we will be able to entice those companies and those employees to live, work and play in Will County.
Member Balich stated I don’t understand why we use the word “Climate Action Plan” and then at the same time not address the fact that a guy that’s in the building trade in Member Gould’s area working on various types of jobs, you’re saying, according to what I was hearing, you’re saying they should retrain and go to work in a green area and make more money? That’s illogical to me because the guy is 55-56 years old and isn’t going to retrain and work in another area. They’re not going to hire him. Let’s be logical about this stuff. Why do you have to call it climate action? If you’re worried about people’s jobs, why don’t you talk about people’s jobs. That’s a lot more important than climate action or cost-of-living. Why don’t we talk about that instead of climate action? So, I’m just disgusted in the whole damn thing. I just want everyone to know when you’re voting for this, you’re voting against people that live here. You’re voting against the public that elected you.
Member Ogalla stated so many questions have to be answered yet that we really don’t know the answer to. What is the breakeven point for energy used in the manufacturing of this energy versus the energy produced by nuclear and other sources that we use today? I don’t know that answer. What is the carbon emission breakpoint? There’s talk about green energy, yet there a lot of carbon emissions issues with mining this lithium for the electric car batteries. Electric car batteries only last so long, there’s no good recycling for them. Recycling them causes a lot of carbon emissions. That’s an actual fact. How much steady sunlight will we need for these solar panels to produce sufficient electricity per capita? We don’t know that answer. How much storage will we need for these to fulfill this green energy versus the source of energy we use today? I think we really need to look at this in a very serious manner and come up with a better solution that can be favorable to the climate in doing some of these things, but also maintaining our energy independence in case these things will be (inaudible). I recently heard the press secretary talk and say, “We all know there will be costs associated with this, so we can do this climate energy (inaudible).” I don’t think the average person is prepared to take on those costs, although many people might want to do things to help the environment. I will also be a “no” vote.
Member Berkowicz stated I would like to comment about the constant reference about how inexpensive electricity is. That simply isn’t true. Everyone is really hurting. Our electric bills are just skyrocketing. In Michigan, where geothermal heat is very popular, the one key thing to that type of heat is that you need to run a pump and your electric bill is outrageous. Everyone there is talking about how they can convert to natural gas. You can have a home at 60 degrees and your electric bill is going to be well over $350 a month and it’s just not sustainable for a lot of people. That’s what people are dealing with. When you try to eliminate all these other forms of energy, that’s going to make that burden and that cost even higher. That’s a very critical thing to remember, that we can say it’s cheap, but it really isn’t. We really ought to be sticking to the facts. The other concern I have is that solar is a great form, a great option of energy, but these solar farms take up a lot of good, fertile farmland and they take that away from our ability to produce food that we need locally. A 13-acre farm, I think they said, only supplies energy for maybe about 700 homes. That is a huge drain on our natural resources to provide the land for these solar farms. So, we have to keep this in perspective. For that reason, I am very cautious about this and won’t be supporting it either. Thank you.
Member Freeman stated I believe we should lead by example. The county already has a conservation plan from 2021. The plan for the Climate Action Plan for the Chicago region, if you compare the two, there are very few differences. If by supporting the plan encourages any of the municipalities within our county to make positive changes too, then I think it is worth passing this. Thank you.
Member Fricilone stated I am going to agree with Member Gould. I am going to vote for labor and “no” on this resolution. Thank you.
Member Mitchell stated if there’s already a plan in place for 2021, then why do we need to pass this one? I’ll be voting” no”, I’ll be voting with labor, I’ll be with my caucus and voting against this resolution. I believe that leading by example means that we take a look at the consequences of our actions and our votes. Many times, in reference to preparing for climate change, we’ve effected people’s lives around the world. This is where we should lead by example and say, “no, we’re not going to do that.”
Member Mueller stated I wished that I was surprised to hear the comments that I am hearing. I am going to phrase this differently for you folks who are standing with labor. Union companies are the ones who are coming in and installing and working on these green initiatives. Framing it that you’re standing with labor is not completely genuine because this is providing jobs for labor, where the other jobs they have been doing have been going by the wayside. Also, guess what? Without a planet, labor doesn’t matter. So, I am going to go ahead and vote “yes” on this.
| RESULT: APPROVED [12 TO 10]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Rachel Ventura, District 9 (D - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Koch, Tyson, Traynere, Mueller, VanDuyne, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Ventura, Marcum, Cowan, Freeman NAYS: Ogalla, Mitchell, Fritz, Gould, Balich, Fricilone, Parker, Berkowicz, Pretzel, Weigel ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis LEFT MEETING: Coleman |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis LEFT MEETING: Coleman |
Member Ventura stated are we then closing the offices? Is there a reason we’re moving there? Is there a savings?
Ms. Caroline Portlock stated right now, we are located at 203 North Ottawa, this is the Workforce Board. Workforce Services maintains an office at the Workforce Center. We’ve moved some staff around from the Workforce Board to Workforce Services, so we don’t need three offices here in the CED office.
Member Ventura stated so this is just a renewal of the one that you do need for the Board?
Ms. Caroline Portlock stated it is an amendment because we are not leasing as much space, so we are not going to pay as much rent.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis LEFT MEETING: Coleman |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Denise E. Winfrey, District 8 (D - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis LEFT MEETING: Coleman |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Mica Freeman, District 13 (D - Plainfield) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis LEFT MEETING: Coleman |
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Rachel Ventura, District 9 (D - Joliet) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis LEFT MEETING: Coleman |
1. February 2022 Executive Appointments
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Mike Fricilone, District 7 (R - Homer Glen) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis LEFT MEETING: Coleman |
XXIV. COMMENTS BY COUNTY BOARD MEMBERS
Member Brooks stated I understand that the State’s Attorney has issued an opinion for the old courthouse, and my question is when will we get that in writing of what that opinion is?
Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated the written opinion was sent over to the County board Wednesday night. The County Board has it.
Member Fricilone stated it’s good for everybody on the Board, especially since we haven’t been in this building, with the change of administration. I know you’ve hired people and I assume some that we’ve had advice and consent on, but we don’t know who works in the Executive’s Office. I heard the other day that you’ve hired a lobbyist now. Is that true?
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated we have worked within our budget to have contractual service, yes.
Member Fricilone stated wouldn’t that come before the Board or at least let us know what’s going on over there? It’s kind of like there’s this iron wall.
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated there’s not an iron wall. Every request that has come before me from this Board, I have responded to. I am sorry you have not been able to meet the staff because we have not been here in person.
Member Fricilone stated I understand that. But we don’t even have a list of who’s been hired.
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated do you want a list? We have a Chief of Staff, a Deputy Chief of Staff, much like the last administration. We did hire a Community Outreach person because we replaced an assistant that we did not need. You have not met them because these people have not been here and have not had the appropriate opportunity. When I used to come to these meetings, the first half hour people communicated and walked around. I have not been able to have that experience.
Member Fricilone stated I understand. That’s why some kind of communication…
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated can you please tell me how we don’t communicate? I honestly don’t understand why you keep saying that I am not sharing things with this Board. I am completely confused by that.
Member Fricilone stated so everybody has a list of all the new hires? I’ve met people on calls that we have that I didn’t know worked in the building.
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated most of the people outside of this office…I don’t know who gets hired, the Human Resource Department does it. My handprint is not on every hire in this building. I allow my Executive Directors to hire based on their needs and how they see fit. So, I don’t know. You could be talking to people that are new to the building that I haven’t even met.
Member Fricilone stated I’m not saying every single person, but people in your office that we may have occasion to call and deal with.
Executive Bertino-Tarrant stated you’ve met our Deputy Chief of Staff, Elaine Bottomley, who is relatively new. We have communications staff that is new, too. It is all within the budget, we have just switched people around. It’s unfortunate. I wish we were all here.
Member Fricilone stated I understand that too. In the absence of being here for two years it would be nice just to get some communication that says, “these are all the new people and their functions” so that if we have a question about communications we can call that person, whoever it is.
Member Balich stated I’m glad to see we’re moving forward on the expansion for the landfill. I have a bunch of questions about a lawsuit, so I was told to call the State’s Attorney, and then I thought about it, and I don’t want to call him and get an answer, and nobody knows about it, so I didn’t call him. To me, it’s one of those things we probably need to address in Executive Session and maybe Public Works, I don’t know where. We need an Executive Session to talk about those questions so that everybody knows the answers. I don’t want to be the only one that has to repeat what I’m told by the attorney because I say it wrong and then I get myself in trouble because I didn’t repeat it right or I misunderstood what he said. I would prefer an Executive Session to talk about those questions. When did we start the lawsuit against a private company? Why did we do it? How much money have we spent? Those are the questions I want to know. I sent the questions in, but like I said, I don’t want to meet him by myself, I want to do it with a bunch of other people, so I don’t say something that isn’t true. That’s where I am leaving it right now.
Member Pretzel stated we talked a lot today about the rising cost of energy. I saw this morning on the news that the national average for a gallon of gas increased another three cents overnight. It think it’s up to $3.57 a gallon. Even higher out here in Will County from the stations that I have passed. I think it’s time to have a serious conversation about rescinding the motor fuel tax. I think that would offer some much needed relief to the residents of Will County. Thank you.
XXV. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE MAJORITY LEADER, MINORITY LEADER AND COUNTY BOARD SPEAKER
Announcements by County Board Majority Leader, Meta Mueller
Member Mueller stated I just want to encourage everyone to use this last bit of February to go to a local black history event in your community and hopefully learn something new. Have a great rest of the month.
Announcements by County Board Minority Leader, Mike Fricilone
Member Fricilone stated I just want to mention to Ms. Beth Adams that we’re thinking of her. I’m sure you’re going to get the information Speaker Cowan about the services today and tomorrow. We are thinking of her. She does an outstanding job and has had to do even more yeoman’s work after losing one of our staff and this unfortunate tragedy hit her.
Announcements by County Board Speaker, Mimi Cowan
Speaker Cowan stated to echo what Member Fricilone said, I’m not sure if Ms. Beth Adams is still on, but our hearts go out to Beth and her family at this time. I hope some of you will join me in stopping by the visitation for Dakota today, Friday, February 25th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home on Rt. 30. There is a chapel service tomorrow, Saturday at 11:00 a.m. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the National Organization for Rare Disorders. Ms. Beth Adams, we love you and we are here for you. I received a couple of questions about what happened at the appointment vote and I just want to clarify for everyone. I think the folks at home heard the vote, obviously, and then heard Executive Bertino-Tarrant cast her vote and then the next thing they knew the vote failed. I think some of the conversation that happened there wasn’t heard by everyone at home, so I just wanted to explain that there were 11 yes votes, 11 abstentions, and one no vote. So, Executive Bertino-Tarrant actually did not have an opportunity to break the tie. There was no tie. That’s why the vote failed, there were only 11 yes votes and 23 votes cast in total. I wanted to reiterate our lessons about black history and note we have historic firsts among our Board members. Member Brooks was the first to be the Speaker of the Will County Board. Member Winfrey was the first female African American to serve as Speaker of the Board and first African American and female to serve as County Executive. We appreciate their service and acknowledge that history is being made by African Americans every day and within our community in both big and small ways. I also wanted to just remind everyone that finally, the last bit of business, next week at committee meetings you will have a virtual option. The week after that, our next bout of committee meetings, we will be back in person. After two full years of doing this virtually, I will look forward to spending time with all of you in person. Thank you.
Speaker Cowan stated this is a point of order question. When we vote and we need a majority, is majority defined as those present at the meeting or those present and voting? To my point is, if there is an abstention, do we need a majority of the votes cast to pass an issue? Does an abstention count?
Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated it is my understanding that the abstention counts as a vote. People are present, because it’s not affirmative, it would be a negative vote.
Speaker Cowan stated that is not my understanding. I would ask for your office to review that and bring that back to us at the next available opportunity.
Assistant State’s Attorney Tatroe stated absolutely.
XXVI. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion to go into Executive Session
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Mimi Cowan, Speaker, District 11 (D - Naperville) SECONDER: Meta Mueller, District 5 (D - Aurora) AYES: Newquist, Ogalla, Koch, Mitchell, Tyson, Traynere, Fritz, Mueller, Gould, VanDuyne, Balich, Fricilone, Brooks Jr., Winfrey, Parker, Ventura, Marcum, Berkowicz, Cowan, Pretzel, Weigel, Freeman ABSENT: Moustis, Kraulidis LEFT MEETING: Coleman |
https://willcountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=4253&Inline=True
Alerts Sign-up