DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Law & Justice Committee met Aug. 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Law & Justice Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Monday, August 26, 2024, in the Legislative Center’s Gathertorium in Sycamore, Illinois. Chair Kathy Lampkins called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Those members present were Tim Bagby, Mary Cozad, Ellingsworth Webb, and Chair Kathy Lampkins. Patrick Deutsch and Amber Quitno were absent. A quorum was established with four members present and two absent. Others present included Public Defender Chip Criswell, Interim County Administrator Derek Hiland, Coroner Denny Miller, Court Services Director Mike Venditti, and CASA representatives Jill Olson and Jessica Sandlund.

Patrick Deutsch arrived at 6:32 p.m. and Amber Quitno arrived at 6:34 p.m. Maureen Little resigned prior to the date of this meeting.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Ellingsworth Webb moved to approve the agenda, Mary Cozad seconded the motion, and the motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Tim Bagby moved to approve the minutes of the May 20, 2024 committee meeting. Ellingsworth Webb seconded the motion, and the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Update from CASA

CASA Executive Director Jill Olson provided an overview of CASA DeKalb County, outlining that CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) work in juvenile court and advocate for children experiencing abuse and neglect. She explained that the CASA advocates are trained volunteers that maintain regular contact with the children, school system, and biological parents, as well as monitoring their foster placement situation.

Olson explained that with the greater emphasis in placing the foster child with a relative or close family friend, the amount of travel required in managing the cases has increased, as children are frequently placed outside of the local DeKalb County area. Olson stated that this has resulted in greater challenges in managing the cases.

Olson reviewed the association’s annual report and fund-raising efforts. She added that the goal of the association is to have CASA in every county by the year 2030.

Olson introduced Development and Recruitment Manager Jessica Sandlund.

Chair Lampkins reviewed the current method of financing CASA via Circuit Clerk fees and stated that this fund has fallen short over the last several years. Lampkins explained that there have been draws from the General Fund to make up for the shortages.

Coroner’s Report

Coroner Denny Miller provided an overview of the 2023 DeKalb County Emergency Services & Disaster Agency (ESDA) Annual Report, including a review of current training programs.

Miller mentioned that the update for the county’s disaster plan now has a 2026 due date. He added that the demands on counties via national and state mandates continue to increase.

Miller provided an overview of the Annual Coroner’s Report, outlining the types of cases and autopsies performed during 2023. He added that the coroner facilities need to be updated. Miller stated that efforts are underway to ensure a smooth transition to the new coroner.

Chair Lampkins thanked Miller for his years of service to DeKalb County. The committee conveyed their thanks and gave Miller an enthusiastic round of applause.

REPORTS

Sheriff’s Office

In the absence of Sherriff Sullivan, a formal report was not provided. The Monthly Corrections Overtime Mandatory Report and Jail Population Report were included in the meeting packet.

Court Services

Court Services Director Mike Venditti reviewed the Adult Court Services Monthly Report, Juvenile Placement/Detention Report, and the 2024 Pretrial Statistics report. Venditti stated that his department is busy and that the volume of cases continues to increase. He outlined that probation cases have been increasing during the last several years with less reliance on the prison system. He added that his department is experiencing excellent outcomes with a dedicated staff.

Venditti reviewed that his department is expanding programming options for community service, adding that there is still a sizeable amount of community service hours that need to be fulfilled.

Venditti stated that there are no juveniles currently in residential placement. He added that detention numbers are higher than he would like however, the department is still operating within budgeted numbers.

Venditti mentioned that his department is in the process of renewing their accreditation with the National Association of Pretrial Service Agencies. He added that DeKalb County Pretrial Services remains the only agency in the Midwest that is accredited.

Public Defender

Public Defender Chip Criswell reviewed the Report of Public Defender for July 2024. He added that his department is close to being fully staffed, with a new-hire scheduled to start next week.

OLD BUSINESS

No items

NEW BUSINESS

No items

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Patrick Deutsch and seconded by Amber Quitno to adjourn the meeting. The motion was carried, and the meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/packet-lj-09232024.pdf