Kankakee Times

Kankakee County Criminal Justice Committee met March 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by the Committee Chairman, Mr. Hess at 7:30 a.m.

2. Public Comment

3. Approval of Minutes: March 11, 2020

Mr. Byrne made a motion to approve the minutes, and Mr. Fairfield seconded it.

Motion carried with a voice vote

4. Judicial – Chief Judge Michael Kramer

The Chief Judge was not present.

5. Circuit Clerk’s Office - Sandi Cianci

Ms. Cianci reviewed and discussed the reports with the committee.

• Monthly Report for January and February

• Computerization Update

Mr. Ekhoff made a motion to combine and approve the monthly report, and Mr. Carrico seconded it.

There was no discussion or questions from the committee.

Motion carried with a voice vote.

6. State’s Attorney’s Office – Jim Rowe

• Grand Jury Report January and February

• Grand Jury Statistics Report, January and February

Ms. Parker made a motion to combine and approve the report and Mr. Byrne seconded it.

Mr. Rowe reviewed and discussed the reports with the committee.

Mr. Rowe stated that Grand Jury numbers remain consistent.

There were no questions or comments from the committee.

Motion carried with a voice vote.

Mr. Rowe stated that you hear a lot of news about Cash Bail Reform and people that should be released from the jail. However, he went through the people in custody and there are maybe 3 or 4 that are in the jail for non-violent offenses. There are others that have 5-6 charges and do not appear for court on the charges, so it costs money and time to find them and bring them in. The reports that you see on the news are not always correct.

7. Public Defender’s Office – Ed Pentuic

• Monthly Report for January and February

Mr. Fairfield made a motion to approve the report and Ms. Parker seconded it.

Mr. Pentuic reviewed and discussed the report with the committee.

Motion carried with a voice vote.

Mr. Pentuic agreed with the statements of Mr. Rowe. The inmates that have been incarcerated for the longest periods of time have private attorneys and are pending trials.

8. Probation – Tom Latham

• Monthly Report for January and February

Mr. Liehr made a motion to approve the monthly report, and Mr. Ekhoff seconded it.

Mr. Latham reviewed and discussed the report with the committee.

There were no questions or comments from the committee.

Motion carried with a voice vote.

Mr. Latham stated that Drug Court is scheduled for March 26th at 10:30am on the 3rd floor of the Courthouse.

• Juvenile Detention Report

Mr. Latham presented the committee with an analysis of the River Valley Detention Center Costs.

Mr. Latham stated that an agreement was entered with Will County in 1999. Mr. Latham provided an overview of the program with the Committee and how things changed over time.

Mr. Latham continued to review the costs associated with the Juvenile Detention Center.

9. Sheriff/EMA Department – Ken McCabe

• Monthly Report for February

Mr. Swanson made a motion to approve the monthly report, and Mr. Byrne seconded it.

Ken McCabe reviewed and discussed the report with the committee.

Motion carried with a voice vote.

Mr. McCabe stated that there has been an increase in traffic control to assist in driving the fatalities down.

• Animal Control Update

Mr. McCabe completed Kari Laird for jumping in and going above and beyond to get the job done. She’s doing an outstanding job.

Ms. Speckman advised that there will be a notary present after the meeting for any Board

Members that need to sign the affidavit.

Mr. McCabe added that career criminals are criminals because they don’t do what they need to do. Legislation doesn’t always ask those in the field for their opinion.

Mr. McCabe also thanked Mr. Wheeler for keeping a watchful eye on the taxpayers dollar in regards to the cost of the juvenile detention center.

Mr. Wheeler wanted to confirm that the reports are being approved for January and February and that is being assumed in the motion.

Mr. Hess confirmed.

10. Coroner’s Office – Bob Gessner

• Monthly Reports for January and February

• Monthly Receipts of Money for January and February

Mr. Ekhoff made a motion to combine and approve the monthly reports and monthly receipts, and Mr. Snipes seconded it.

Mr. Gessner reviewed and discussed the reports with the committee.

Mr. Gessner voiced concern over the number of overdoses that are continuing to rise. Mr.

Gessner commented that he can’t help but wonder if that rise is due to people being released from the jail and going right back to their old ways.

Mr. Gessner stated that he recognizes the trend and will provide education to the public about the dangers.

Motion carried with a Voice Vote.

Mr. Gessner advised the committee that there was updating to be done t the morgue. It needs to be painted and also have the bathroom redone. This will be done at no cost to the county.

Mr. Wheeler asked if he has heard any updates from the legislation that requires coroners to be medical examiners.

Mr. Gessner stated that we have a few board-certified examiners within our area, it would almost be impossible to do. Mr. Gessner reassured he committee that he is staying on top of it.

11. Old Business/New Business

None

12. Adjournment

http://www.co.kankakee.il.us/files/committees/criminal_justice_31120.pdf