McLean County Times

McLean County Justice Committee met Oct. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Justice Committee of the McLean County Board met at 4:30 p.m. in Room 400 of the Government Center, 115 E. Washington Street, Bloomington, Illinois.

Members Present: Chairman Chuck Erickson, Members Randall L. Martin, George Wendt, Susan Schafer, Sharon Chung, Hannah Beer and Ryan Lawler

Members Absent: None

Other County Board Members Present None

Staff Present: Cassy Taylor, County Administrator; Cathy Dreyer, Assistant County Administrator; Anthony Grant, Assistant County Administrator; Julie Morlock, Recording Secretary; Taylor Williams, Assistant State’s Attorney

Department Heads/Elected Officials Present: Ron Lewis, Public Defender; Erika Reynolds, State’s Attorney; Molly Evans, Children’s Advocacy Center; Kathy Yoder, Coroner; Michael Donovan, Court Services; Jon Sandage, Sheriff

Others Present: Matt Lane, Sheriff Department; Hadley Welsch, Chief Deputy, Sheriff Department; Brad Rigdon, Assistant State’s Attorney

Chairman Erickson called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. and declared a quorum.

Chairman Erickson presented the September 6, 2022, regular meeting minutes of the Justice Committee for approval.

Motion by Chung/Lawler to approve the September 6, 2022, regular meeting minutes of the Justice Committee.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson confirmed with Ms. Taylor there were no members of the public to appear.

Chairman Erickson presented for action on behalf of Mr. Mike Donovan, Court Services Director a request to approve an Agreement with the Center for Youth and Family Services (2022 - RNR). Mr. Donovan indicated the clinician who has worked for them is leaving after several years and this is for a new clinician to provide the same services.

Motion by Chung/Beer to recommend approval of an Agreement with the Center for Youth and Family Services (2022 - RNR).

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented for action on behalf of Mr. Mike Donovan, Court Services Director a request to approve an Agreement with the Center for Youth and Family Services (2023 - RNR).

Motion by Martin/Schafer to recommend approval of an Agreement with the Center for Youth and Family Services (2023 - RNR)

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented for action on behalf of Mr. Donovan a request to approve a Contract Change Order for the BJA Comprehensive Assessment Team Grant. He indicated this is to extend the agreement as they received additional funding.

Motion by Schafer/Martin to recommend approval of a Contract Change Order for the BJA Comprehensive Assessment Team Grant.

Motion Carried.

Mr. Donovan presented his report to the Committee. Chairman Erickson asked if anyone had any questions; hearing none, he moved to next item.

In the interest of moving the meeting along, Chairman Erickson asked if any members had any questions on reports provided by Mr. Everhart, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Evans or Mr. Scanlon.

Ms. Schafer asked Mr. Scanlon to come forward to explain what family treatment court was and services it would provide through the AOIC grant. Mr. Scanlon discussed family treatment court was and services provided to treat the whole family. He indicated there were currently none in the State of Illinois. Mr. Scanlon indicated this grant was only for the planning stage to determine services and how those could be provided. Ms. Schafer asked if additional grant funding would be provided if planning portion was successful. Mr. Scanlon indicated that was the understanding.

Chairman Erickson presented the report for Jon Sandage, Sheriff and asked if the Committee had any questions; hearing none he asked the Sheriff to discuss the inspection report in the packet. Mr. Sandage went over the yearly inspection and gave credit to the employees in the jail. Ms. Schafer thanked him for his service and the work he had done as the jail was a model for the State. Mr. Wendt agreed. Mr. Sandage again thanked the employees of the Sheriff’s department for all of their hard work.

Chairman Erickson asked if anyone had questions about the coroner’s report; hearing none, he moved to the next item on the agenda.

Chairman Erickson presented on behalf of Cassy Taylor, County Administrator a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Coroner Department 0031, Investigations & Inquests Program 0038. Ms. Taylor went over services provided by the Coroner’s office. She went over expenses for the Coroner’s office and changes from last year’s budget.

Motion by Martin/Chung to recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Coroner Department 0031, Investigations & Inquests Program 0038.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented on behalf of Ms. Taylor a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Circuit Clerk Department 0015, including General Fund 0001, Circuit Clerk Department 0015, Administrative Services Program 0011, Criminal Cases Program 0012 and Civil Cases Program 0013; Circuit Clerk Operation & Administration Fund 0138, Circuit Clerk Department 0015, Administrative Services Program 001; Circuit Clerk Automation Fund 0140, Circuit Clerk Department 0015, Automation Program 0014; Court Document Storage Fund 0142, Circuit Clerk Department 0015, Administrative Services Program 0011; Child Support Collection Fund 0143, Circuit Clerk Department 0015, Civil Cases Program 0013; and IDPA IV-D Project Fund 0156, Circuit Clerk Department 0015, Civil Cases Program 0013. Ms. Taylor provided information regarding services the Circuit Clerk’s office provides. She went over expenses including salary, supplies, services. She went over changes in the budget and noted fee amounts still have some unknowns.

Ms. Chung asked about the increase under court document storage for surcharge. Ms. Taylor indicated they changed how they figured administrative surcharge and explained it is figured as a percentage of the whole. Ms. Chung asked if this budget reflects salary study recommendations. Ms. Taylor confirmed all budgets do.

Motion by Chung/Beer to recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Circuit Clerk Department 0015, including General Fund 0001, Circuit Clerk Department 0015, Administrative Services Program 0011, Criminal Cases Program 0012 and Civil Cases Program 0013; Circuit Clerk Operation & Administration Fund 0138, Circuit Clerk Department 0015, Administrative Services Program 001; Circuit Clerk Automation Fund 0140, Circuit Clerk Department 0015, Automation Program 0014; Court Document Storage Fund 0142, Circuit Clerk Department 0015, Administrative Services Program 0011; Child Support Collection Fund 0143, Circuit Clerk Department 0015, Civil Cases Program 0013; and IDPA IV-D Project Fund 0156, Circuit Clerk Department 0015, Civil Cases Program 0013.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented on behalf of Ms. Taylor a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Children’s Advocacy Center Fund 0129, Children’s Advocacy Center Department 0062, including: Children’s Advocacy Program 0021; and CASA Program 0097; and Multi-County Services Program 0101. Ms. Taylor provided a budget overview and operations performed in that department. Ms. Taylor went over changes in expenses from the 2022 budget.

Motion by Beer/Chung to recommend approval the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Children’s Advocacy Center Fund 0129, Children’s Advocacy Center Department 0062, including: Children’s Advocacy Program 0021; and CASA Program 0097; and Multi-County Services Program 0101. Ms. Taylor provided overview of budget for both CAC and CASA. She went over highlights of budget including reduction in fees received, increases in expenses for office supplies, schooling and conferences, software, utilities, and office equipment. Ms. Taylor indicated the CASA program received more grant revenue but also increased expenses for postage and schooling and conferences. She also provided information for Multi County CAC budget including decrease in fees and an increase in office supply expenses.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented on behalf of Ms. Taylor a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Merit Board Department 0008, Administrative Services Program 0010. Ms. Taylor indicated there was a slight increase in this budget of 2%.

Motion by Martin/Lawler to recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Merit Board Department 0008, Administrative Services Program 0010.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented on behalf of Ms. Taylor a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Sheriff Department 0029, Law Enforcement Operation Program 0027, Criminal Investigations Program 0028, Administrative Services Program 0029, Jail Operations Program 0031, Fleet Management Program 0033, Court Security 0035, and EMA Operations Program 0052. Ms. Taylor went over expenses provided, majority with salaries, services, and supplies smallest amount. She went over changes in expenses in each budget. Mr. Martin asked if Police Training at the Institute was still reimbursed. Mr. Sandage indicated reimbursement is currently 50%. Ms. Schafer asked how long they were waiting to receive new vehicles. Mr. Sandage indicated it is about a year from when they order the vehicle. He also indicated some counties have cars sitting because of delay in receiving replacement parts. Ms. Schafer asked why there was an increased number of vehicles requested. Mr. Sandage indicated because of delay in getting vehicles they needed to replace more this year.

Motion by Wendt/Schafer to recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Sheriff Department 0029, Law Enforcement Operation Program 0027, Criminal Investigations Program 0028, Administrative Services Program 0029, Jail Operations Program 0031, Fleet Management Program 0033, Court Security 0035, and EMA Operations Program 0052.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented on behalf of Ms. Taylor a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Court Services Department 0022, including: General Fund 0001, Court Services Department 0022, Juvenile Detention Program 0022, Court Services Program 0024, Pretrial Program 0068, Adult Redeploy Grant Program 0094 and Veteran’s Court Program 0103; and Adult Probation Services Fund 0146, Court Services Department 0022, Probation Supervision Program 0025. Ms. Taylor provided a budget overview including changes to the budget from last year.

Motion by Chung/Beer to recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Court Services Department 0022, including: General Fund 0001, Court Services Department 0022, Juvenile Detention Program 0022, Court Services Program 0024, Pretrial Program 0068, Adult Redeploy Grant Program 0094 and Veteran’s Court Program 0103; and Adult Probation Services Fund 0146, Court Services Department 0022, Probation Supervision Program 0025.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented on behalf of Ms. Taylor a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Public Defender Department 0021, Public Defender Services Program 0023. Ms. Taylor provided a budget overview and services provided by the Public Defender’s office. Ms. Taylor went over changes to the budget from last year. Ms. Chung asked about the decrease in public defender fees. Mr. Lewis indicated the State withdrew a couple of fees previously charged.

Motion by Chung/Schafer to recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Public Defender Department 0021, Public Defender Services Program 0023.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented on behalf of Ms. Taylor a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Metro McLean County Centralized Communications Center Fund 0452, Metro Communication Center Department 0030, Metro Communication Program 0090. Ms. Taylor provided overview of services provided by that department and their budget. Ms. Taylor noted that the Metcom Board has met and approved this budget. She indicated as this is a joint venture the action here is to approve the County’s portion. She went over changes in the budget from last year including a 16% increase for computer equipment, a workstations and salaries.

Motion by Lawler/Martin to recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Metro McLean County Centralized Communications Center Fund 0452, Metro Communication Center Department 0030, Metro Communication Program 0090.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented on behalf of Ms. Taylor a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Jury Commission Department 0018, Juror Selection & Admin Program 0017. Ms. Taylor provided a chart for the Committee that showed the administrative organization of the Court system. She indicated the budget increased by 6% including salaries as a part of the salary study.

Motion by Chung/Schafer to recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, Jury Commission Department 0018, Juror Selection & Admin Program 0017.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented on behalf of Ms. Taylor a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Circuit Court Department 0016, including: General Fund 0001, Circuit Court Administration Program 0016; and Neutral Site Custody Exchange Fund 0170, Neutral Site Custody Exchange Program 0106; and Children’s Waiting Room Fund 0171, Children’s Waiting Room Program 0105; and Law Library Fund 0506, Law Library Program 0015. Ms. Taylor provided a budget overview for the department. She went over changes in the budget including increases in contract services. Ms. Schafer asked about budgeting the same amount in the psychiatric line since the 2022 amount is already over budget. Mr. Scanlon indicated the amount spent can vary as much as 30-40% so historical numbers are not the best determining factor for that budget. Ms. Taylor noted they felt fluctuations could be made up in other 700 lines. Ms. Taylor noted no significant changes in Neutral Custody Site and Law Library.

Motion by Beer/Schafer to recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the Circuit Court Department 0016, including: General Fund 0001, Circuit Court Administration Program 0016; and Neutral Site Custody Exchange Fund 0170, Neutral Site Custody Exchange Program 0106; and Children’s Waiting Room Fund 0171, Children’s Waiting Room Program 0105; and Law Library Fund 0506, Law Library Program 0015.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented on of behalf Ms. Taylor a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, State’s Attorney Department 0020, including General Fund 0001, Prosecution & Litigation Program 0019 and Administrative Support Program 0020, and IDPA IV-D Project Fund 0156, Child Support Program 0079. Ms. Taylor provided a budget overview and went over services provided. She noted an increase in salary as they added an ASA and legal assistants. She also noted increase in schooling and conferences as training is returning to pre-covid requirements and levels.

Motion by Beer/Martin to recommend approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget for the General Fund 0001, State’s Attorney Department 0020, including General Fund 0001, Prosecution & Litigation Program 0019 and Administrative Support Program 0020, and IDPA IV-D Project Fund 0156, Child Support Program 0079.

Motion Carried.

Cassy Taylor, County Administrator indicated she had no further items for the Committee.

Chairman Erickson indicated he would like to pay the bills before they moved to the possible Closed Sessions on the Agenda.

Chairman Erickson presented bills for review and approval as transmitted by the County Auditor with a prepaid fund total of $728,523.14 as well as a transfer for the Sheriff’s Department.

Motion by Chung/Beer to approve the Justice Committee bills and transfers as presented.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson asked the Committee if anyone had a need to go into closed session regarding the next two items. Members requested the closed session

Chairman Erickson asked for a motion to go into Closed Session pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)) to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.

Motion by Schafer/Chung to go into closed session 120/2(c)(1)) to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.

Motion carried.

Justice Committee entered into closed session at 5:41 p.m.

Justice Committee returned to open session at 5:57 p.m.

Chairman Erickson presented on behalf of Erika Reynolds, McLean County State’s Attorney a request to authorize under section 108-43F(2)(b)[3] of the McLean County Code the McLean County State’s Attorney to offer a salary above that identified in section 108-43 F(2)(b).

Motion by Chung/Schafer to approve a request to authorize under section 108- 43F(2)(b)[3] of the McLean County Code the McLean County State’s Attorney to offer a salary above that identified in section 108-43 F(2)(b).

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented on behalf of Don Everhart a request to authorize under section 108-33A of the McLean County Code the Circuit clerk to offer accrual time above that identified in section 108-33A.

Motion by Lawler/Beer to approve a request to authorize under section 108-33A of the McLean County Code the Circuit clerk to offer accrual time above that identified in section 108-33A.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson asked if there was any other business. Ms. Chung thanked EMA staff for their updates on their Facebook site as the storms passed through last month.

Chairman Erickson stated there was no other business for the Justice Committee to consider and adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m.

https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9245