McLean County Times

McLean County Justice Committee met Jan. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Minutes of the Justice Committee Meeting

The Justice Committee of the McLean County Board met on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. in Room 400 of the Government Center, 115 E. Washington Street, Bloomington, Illinois.

Members Present: Chairman Chuck Erickson, Members Susan Schafer, Jack Abraham, Natalie Roseman-Mendoza and Geoff Tompkins.

Members Absent: Member Beverly Bell

Other County Board

Members Present Chair Catherine Metsker

Staff Present: Cassy Taylor, County Administrator; Cathy Dreyer, Assistant County Administrator; Anthony Grant, Assistant County Administrator; Trevor Sierra, First Assistant State’s Attorney – Civil Division; Taylor Williams, Assistant State’s Attorney

Department Heads/ Elected Officials Present: Suzanne Montoya, Court Services; Matt Lane, Sheriff; Kathy Yoder, Coroner; Ron Lewis, Public Defender; Molly Evans, Children’s Advocacy Center; Erika Reynolds, State’s Attorney; Don Everhart, Circuit Clerk

Others Present: Will Scanlon, Trial Court Administrator; Dan Leary, Information Technology

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

Chairman Erickson confirmed with Administrator Taylor there were no members of the public or County employees to appear before the Committee.

Chairman Erickson then presented as part of the consent agenda minutes from the December 5, 2023 regular meeting for approval.

Motion by Abraham/Roseman-Mendoza to approve the December 5, 2023 regular meeting minutes.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson then presented as a part of the consent agenda invoices in the amount of $651,055.04 for approval.

Motion by Schafer/Roseman-Mendoza to approve the invoices in the amount of $651,055.04.

Motion Carried.

Mr. Don Everhart, the Circuit Clerk presented his reports to the Committee. Chairman Erickson asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked him.

Chairman Erickson presented for action on behalf of Matt Lane, McLean County Sheriff a request to approve an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2023 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for Fund 0001. Mr. Lane indicated they received grant funding to provide medication assistance with the goal of reducing recidivism. He noted the funding allows them to provide action plans for individuals while they are in custody as well as an action plan and treatment plan for individuals after release. Ms. Schafer asked him to clarify this is allocation of the grant funds in the 2023 budget and the next item is allocation of grant funding for 2024. Mr. Lane confirmed.

Motion by Tompkins/Abraham to recommend approval of an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2023 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for Fund 0001.

Motion Carried.

Chairman Erickson presented for action on behalf of Mr. Lane a request to approve an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2024 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for Fund 0001. Mr. Lane indicated this is funding for the continuation of the 2023 grant.

Motion by Tompkins/Abraham to recommend approval of an Emergency Appropriation Ordinance Amending the McLean County Fiscal Year 2024 Combined Annual Appropriation and Budget Ordinance for Fund 0001.

Motion Carried.

Mr. Lane presented his monthly reports to the Committee. Mr. Lane indicated they had eleven waiting for transfer to the Department of Human Services with the longest having been in their facility since July 9th. He noted that they also have nine parole violators who have to remain in the County facility because DOC will not accept them,until their cases are resolved. He noted the recent jail census has on average been between about 150-160. Mr. Lane also indicated they have a few positions open and are currently holding interviews. Ms. Schafer asked if the reason some of those awaiting transfer to DHS was due to other individuals having higher priority conditions. Mr. Lane confirmed there is a triage process. Ms. Schafer asked if individuals were receiving service while awaiting transfer. Mr. Lane confirmed individuals receive services and noted some individuals had been found fit and released after care received in our jail. Chairman Erickson asked if there were any additional questions or comments; hearing none, he thanked him.

Ms. Molly Evans, Children’s Advocacy Center Director presented her reports to the Committee. Chairman Erickson asked if there were any questions on the reports; hearing none, he thanked her.

Ms. Kathleen Yoder, County Coroner presented her reports to the Committee. Chairman Erickson asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked her.

Mr. Ron Lewis, Public Defender presented his reports to the Committee. Chairman Erickson asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked him.

Chairman Erickson presented on behalf of Mr. Will Scanlon, Circuit Court a request to approve a grant funded Program Administrator Position. Mr. Scanlon noted they were awarded this grant for the Family Treatment Court in late October and after interviews wanted to offer the coordinator position to an individual and this request was to add that position to their budget. He noted this position would be similar to the coordinator positions in the Veterans Treatment Court and Drug Court. He noted the grant funding and position was not included in their regular budget requests because of the late receipt of grant notification and funding.

Motion by Abraham/Roseman-Mendoza to recommend approval of a grant funded Program Administrator Position.

Motion Carried.

Mr. Will Scanlon noted that he would be providing to the Justice Committee next month a request to pay for travel vouchers. He noted the Auditor is denying them because they were submitted after 60 days but he feels the policy does not give her the authority to deny the voucher as wording does not say it is automatically denied after 60 days.

Suzanne Montoya, Court Services Director presented her reports to the Committee. Chairman Erickson asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked her.

The State’s Attorney Ms. Erica Reynolds presented her reports to the Committee. Chairman Erickson asked if there were any questions; hearing none, he thanked her.

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

Chairman Erickson noted the next meeting date would be Tuesday, February 6, 2024. He asked if there was any other business; hearing none, he adjourned the meeting at 4:48 p.m.

 https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/10042