Daniel J. Butler, District 3 (R-Frankfort) | Will County Board Website
Daniel J. Butler, District 3 (R-Frankfort) | Will County Board Website
Will County Board Executive Committee met July 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by J. Van Duyne
III. ROLL CALL
Chair Judy Ogalla called the meeting to order at 10:06 AM
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Judy Ogalla | Chair | Present | |
| Annette Parker | Vice-Chair | Present | |
| Steve Balich | Member | Present | |
| Julie Berkowicz | Member | Present | |
| Katie Deane-Schlottman | Member | Present | |
| Mica Freeman | Member | Present | |
| Meta Mueller | Member | Present | |
| Frankie Pretzel | Member | Present | |
| Jim Richmond | Member | Present | |
| Jackie Traynere | Member | Present | |
| Joe VanDuyne | Member | Present | |
| Sherry Williams | Member | Present |
Also Present: K. Fladhammer, T. Cooke, T. Hendricks, and M. Hamann
Other County Board Members in Attendance: D. Butler, J. Diaz, V. Logan, and M. Revis
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. WC Executive Committee - Assignment Meeting - Jul 3, 2024 10:00 AM
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Katie Deane-Schlottman, Member SECONDER: Julie Berkowicz, Member AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams |
2. Presentation by the Second Story Foundation
(Jim O' Connor)
Jim O'Connor, Executive Director from The Second Story Foundation introduced himself and gave an introduction to their new project, The Second Story Ranch. This is a residential program for long term sobriety. They will have a working horse farm in eastern Will County. He discussed his plan about building a long term recovery program for men from scratch. He believes a horse farm is a great place for this program. This is for people who have just come out of a 28 day recovery program. Participants will work on the farm and receive care. The goals of the program are to finish this program, get jobs, and be able to sign a one year lease on their own. The Foundation does not change Medicare and Medicaid for services. People without insurance will be able to attend. He discussed the building/ remodeling of the property that they are looking to build. He will live onsite as well as the Director of Operations. They are looking for support in the Land Use Special Use permits in keeping the A-1 designation. Mr. Van Duyne asked if this will be only for Will County residents. Mr. O'Connor discussed the issues with restricting the residency. He is working with many Will County organizations to possibly give them priority in placement including the Problem Solving Courts and Stepping Stones. Ms. Freeman asked how many men would be able to live there. The answer is 15. She also asked if this will be a religious organization and it is not. Mr. O'Connor noted that he has spoken to many people in the Illinois State government as well and is now considered a pilot program for recovery. Mr. Pretzel voiced his support. Mr. Revis asked about the harness racing aspect of this since it is an old harness racing farm. Mr. O'Connor discussed that industry and that he has been in contact with them. He discussed the fact that the reason he wanted a horse farm is that there is always work. He isn't trying to get into the harness racing industry. Chair Ogalla asked about hay production. Mr. O'Connor talked about the fact that they want to do hay farming as well as having space for large gardens. Chair Ogalla suggested speaking to the Farm Bureau. Ms. Parker asked about the renderings of the pictures provided. This is not the property they are purchasing, but one of the ones available. They will be using at least 50% Will County companies for the construction.
V. OLD BUSINESS
1. Authorizing Payment to Family Guidance Centers, Inc. for Operations Costs of Their Mobile Outreach Services
(Julie Sterr)
| RESULT: TABLED [UNANIMOUS] Next: 8/8/2024 10:00 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Meta Mueller, Member SECONDER: Julie Berkowicz, Member AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams |
(Vince Logan)
The discussion was on what the special fund would be used for. Mr. Richmond & Ms. Fladhammer discussed the options that were discussed previously for a special fund including leaving the previously budgeted dollar amount into the general fund and then the balance would be put into a special fund or just putting the terminal fees into a special fund. Ms. Hamann spoke to the issues on how this would be processed. Mr. Balich thought it should be an emergency fund instead of depleting the contingency fund. Ms. Berkowicz asked some questions about how this revenue is used in the budget now and then suggested not narrowing the scope of the fund and that some money should be held for mental health issues caused by gambling. Ms. Deane-Schlottman thought it should be used to lower taxes in the future. Mr. Pretzel questioned the need for the fund at all. Ms. Traynere agreed and asked Ms. Tatroe if this special fund was legal. Ms. Tatroe gave some background about special funds and County Board capabilities. The County Board has the capability of creating special funds if they feel the need. She gave historic background that many previous special funds have been eliminated as unnecessary. Chair Ogalla clarified that the special fund was only for the terminal fees. Mr. Van Duyne thought this discussion was premature. Ms. Berkowicz asked some clarifying questions about when these fees would be collected. Ms. Hamann said that is up to the Board to establish. Mr. Pretzel thought these funds should be put towards salaries and in the general fund.
| RESULT: FAILED [1 TO 10]
MOVER: Julie Berkowicz, Member SECONDER: Jackie Traynere, Member AYES: Berkowicz NAYS: Ogalla, Parker, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams AWAY: Balich |
(Vince Logan)
Mr. Pretzel asked a terminal operator in the audience to come forward and answer some questions. Joe Dulin from J & J said that $250 per terminal is a fairly standard operating fee and many municipalities charge a fee and some have something like an amusement sticker. He does not know why some do it one way or the other. Video gaming is not a guarantee of success for establishments, but it helps. Mr. Van Duyne asked why there isn't a fee to the State and not just the establishment owner and terminal operator. Ms. Fladhammer says State Statute has control of this. Ms. Hamann stated that it is up to the Board if grand-fathered establishments would be included in this fee. Mr. Pretzel didn't think it would be fair if they didn't have to pay the fee. He wants a level playing field throughout the County.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [7 TO 5]
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Annette Parker, Vice-Chair SECONDER: Frankie Pretzel, Member AYES: Parker, Balich, Freeman, Mueller, Richmond, Traynere, Williams NAYS: Ogalla, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Pretzel, VanDuyne |
(Vince Logan)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [11 TO 1]
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Jackie Traynere, Member SECONDER: Julie Berkowicz, Member AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Pretzel, Richmond, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams NAYS: Mueller |
VII. NEW BUSINESS
1. Authorizing the Reallocation of FEMA Grant Dollars
(Judy Ogalla)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 7/18/2024 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Meta Mueller, Member SECONDER: Annette Parker, Vice-Chair AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 7/18/2024 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Jackie Traynere, Member SECONDER: Mica Freeman, Member AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams |
(Lauren Staley-Ferry)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 7/18/2024 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Frankie Pretzel, Member SECONDER: Meta Mueller, Member AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams |
Ms. Sojka provided some background on this program. The change comes from fact that Habitat for Humanity didn't need the funds previously allocated so those funds will be reallocated with this resolution.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 7/18/2024 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Julie Berkowicz, Member SECONDER: Meta Mueller, Member AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams |
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 7/18/2024 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Jackie Traynere, Member SECONDER: Meta Mueller, Member AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams |
(Mary Tatroe)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 7/18/2024 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Steve Balich, Member SECONDER: Annette Parker, Vice-Chair AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams |
(Regina Malone)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS] Next: 7/18/2024 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Jackie Traynere, Member SECONDER: Meta Mueller, Member AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams |
(Mark Revis)
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [UNANIMOUS]
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Joe VanDuyne, Member SECONDER: Mica Freeman, Member AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams |
Mr. Pretzel asked about the proclamation on the agenda for July. This removal would start in August. After the vote Chair Ogalla expressed her displeasure with having this vote necessary.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [11 TO 1] Next: 7/18/2024 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Meta Mueller, Member SECONDER: Jackie Traynere, Member AYES: Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams NAYS: Ogalla |
(Dan Butler)
Ms. Mueller stated that we aren't a sanctuary county now so feels like this is unnecessary. Mr. Pretzel says that illegal immigration is a big issue to constituents. He felt this is a good way to state that we are against this. Ms. Traynere stated this is not a County issue. Mr. Butler spoke about the need for this resolution. He spoke about the burden of illegal immigration on our welfare system. He is concerned about our ability to take care of our citizens. He stated that even the City of Chicago has the same type of ordinance and they are a sanctuary city. Ms. Williams had concerns about this resolution. She stated that the Will County Under-Sheriff stated that there is no issue with this in our county. She thinks we have more pressing things to deal with. Ms. Berkowicz spoke about her constituents who are struggling versus the benefits we provide to illegal immigrants. She believes this is a burden to taxpayers. Mr. Pretzel suggested that this does not cost the County anything and it makes sense to do this. Ms. Williams questioned the need for this resolution versus other resolutions that she felt we should have put forward. Ms. Mueller questioned the cost of the Board's integrity if this is passed. Mr. Butler states that this is important to show to our state and federal legislators. Chair Ogalla gave her thoughts as well.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD [7 TO 5] Next: 7/18/2024 9:30 AM
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Katie Deane-Schlottman, Member SECONDER: Frankie Pretzel, Member AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Pretzel, Richmond NAYS: Freeman, Mueller, Traynere, VanDuyne, Williams |
1. Recognizing Independence Day
(Proclamation)
| RESULT: APPROVED [9 TO 2]
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Annette Parker, Vice-Chair SECONDER: Steve Balich, Member AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Pretzel, Richmond, VanDuyne, Williams NAYS: Freeman, Mueller LEFT MEETING: Traynere |
VIII. OTHER NEW BUSINESS
IX. REQUEST FOR STATE'S ATTORNEY'S OPINION
X. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Land Use & Development
Mr. Pretzel provided this report.
2. Finance
Mr. Richmond provided this report.
3. Public Works & Transportation
Mr. Van Duyne provided this report.
4. Public Health & Public Safety
Ms. Freeman provided this report.
5. Legislative
Ms. Berkowicz provided this report.
6. Capital Improvements & IT
Ms. Mueller provided this report.
7. Executive
No report given
8. Landfill
Ms. Deane-Schlottman provided this report.
XI. AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Ad Hoc Access Will County
Mr. Butler provided this report.
2. Ad Hoc Old Courthouse
Ms. Williams provided this report.
3. Ad hoc Ordinance Review
Mr. Logan provided this report.
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS BY CHAIR
Chair Ogalla stated that this Board has their differences and should be respectful of each other. She thanked the Committee for their
XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
XV. APPROVAL OF THE COUNTY BOARD AGENDA
1. Approval of County Board Agenda
(Draft County Board Agenda)
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
TO: Will County Board MOVER: Meta Mueller, Member SECONDER: Joe VanDuyne, Member AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, VanDuyne, Williams LEFT MEETING: Traynere |
1. Motion to Adjourn at 11:59AM
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Frankie Pretzel, Member SECONDER: Jim Richmond, Member AYES: Ogalla, Parker, Balich, Berkowicz, Deane-Schlottman, Freeman, Mueller, Pretzel, Richmond, VanDuyne, Williams LEFT MEETING: Traynere |
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