On the agenda: Rockford 07/23/26 Special Operations & Administrative Committee Agenda Packet — Data Center (Jul 23)

SPECIAL
OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATIVE
COMMITTEE AGENDA
Called by: Paul Arena, Chairman
Members: John Butitta, Valerie Hanserd,
Joe Hoffman, Michael Thompson
Ray Thompson, Christina Valdez

AGENDA:

DATE: THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2026
TIME: 5:30 PM
LOCATION: WINNEBAGO COUNTY
COURTHOUSE
400 WEST STATE STREET
ROOM 815
ROCKFORD, IL 61101

A. Call to Order
B. Roll Call
C. Approval of Minutes – July 16, 2026
D. Public Comment – This is the time we invite the public to address the Operations and
Administrative Committee with issues and concerns. We ask you to limit your comments to
three minutes. Personal attacks or inappropriate language of any sort will not be tolerated. We
will allow a maximum of five speakers on a first-come, first-served basis, with sign-up at the
meeting. Speakers may not address zoning matters that are pending before the ZBA, the Zoning
Committee, or the County Board. Personnel matters, pending or threatened litigation, may not
be addressed in open session. An individual may speak a maximum of three times per calendar
year on the same topic. This prohibition shall include the repetition of the same topic in a
statement on what is purported to be a different topic. After acknowledgment by the chair,
please stand and state your name. Thank you.
E. Resolution Submitting to The Electors of The County of Winnebago, Illinois by Referendum
an Advisory Public Question Concerning Voting Qualifications
F. Resolution Submitting to The Electors of The County of Winnebago, Illinois by Referendum
an Advisory Public Question Concerning Property Tax Relief
G. Other Matters
H. Future Agenda Items
I. Adjournment

Winnebago County Board
Operations and Administrative Committee Meeting
County Administration Building
404 Elm Street, Room 303
Rockford, IL 61101
Thursday, July 16, 2026
5:30 PM
Present:
Paul Arena, Chairperson
Valerie Hanserd, Vice Chairperson
John Butitta
Michael Thompson
Ray Thompson (arrived at 5:38 pm)
Christina Valdez
Absent:
Joe Hoffman

Others Present:
Patrick Thompson, County Administrator
Steve Schultz, Chief Financial Officer
Hope Edwards, Director, Purchasing (Staff Liaison)
Lafakeria Reuter, State’s Attorney’s Office
Debbie Crozier, Director, Human Resources
Jennifer Muraski, Coroner, Winnebago County
Todd Marshall, WCHD
Jim Keeler, WCHD
Dan Magers, Chief Information Officer
Shawn Franks, Director, Facilities
Ashlynn Fernandez, WCSO
Carol Hartline, Attorney, Williams McCarthy LLP
Jeff Orduno, Urban Equities
Justin Fern, Urban Equities
Brad Roos, Executive Director, Sustain Rockford
Jeff Bailey, Former Alderman
Matthew Gabel, County Board Member
John Sweeney, County Board Member
Jim Webster, County Board Member

AGENDA:
A. Call to Order
B. Roll Call
C. Approval of Minutes –June 22, 2026
D. Public Comment – This is the time we invite the public to address the Operations and
Administrative Committee with issues and concerns. We ask you to limit your comments
to three minutes. Personal attacks or inappropriate language of any sort will not be tolerated.
We will allow a maximum of five speakers on a first-come basis with sign-up at the meeting.
Speakers may not address zoning matters which are pending before the ZBA, the Zoning
Committee, or the County Board. Personnel matters or pending or threatened litigation may
not be addressed in open session. An individual may speak a maximum of three times per
calendar year on the same topic. This prohibition shall include the repetition of the same
topic in a statement on what is purported to be a different topic. After acknowledgment by
the chair, please stand and state your name. Thank you.
E. Resolution to Appoint Precinct Election Judges
F. Resolution Awarding Purchase of Ferromagnetic Detection Systems for the Winnebago
County Sheriff’s Office Using CIP 2026 Funds
Cost: $35,630

Page 1

Resolution Awarding Purchase of One Jail Transport Vehicle for the Winnebago County
Sheriff’s Office Using CIP 2026 Funds
Cost: $82,685
H. Resolution Awarding Exterior Precast and Caulking Repairs to the Public Safety Building
Using Owner Direct Funds
Cost: $232,545
I. Resolution Awarding Email Security Filtering Annual Licensing
J. Resolution Authorizing The County Of Winnebago, Illinois And Ringland-Johnson
Construction To Execute A Change Order To The PSB Project To Modernize The 5th
PSB Elevator Using Contingency And PSB Owner Direct Funding
K. Resolution Submitting to The Electors of The County of Winnebago, Illinois by
Referendum an Advisory Public Question Concerning Restoring Local Zoning Authority
of Commercial Solar Energy Facilities, Data Centers, and Agricultural Land Use
L. Resolution Submitting to The Electors of The County of Winnebago, Illinois by
Referendum an Advisory Public Question Concerning Property Tax Relief
M. Resolution Submitting to The Electors of The County of Winnebago, Illinois by
Referendum an Advisory Public Question Concerning Amending the Redistricting
Process For State Legislative Maps
N. Other Matters
O. Future Agenda Items
P. Adjournment
G.

Chairperson Arena called the meeting to order at 5:31 PM.
Roll Call
Chairperson Paul Arena, yes; Mr. John Butitta, yes; Ms. Valerie Hanserd, yes; Dr. Michael
Thompson, yes; Ms. Christina Valdez, yes.
A quorum is present.
Chairperson Paul Arena advised that Item M., Resolution Submitting to the Electors of the County
of Winnebago, Illinois, by Referendum an Advisory Public Question Concerning Amending the
Redistricting Process for State Legislative Maps, is being removed from the agenda.
Approval of Minutes – June 22, 2026
Chairperson Arena called for a motion to approve the minutes of June 22, 2026.
Motion: Dr. Thompson. Second: Ms. Valdez.
Chairperson Arena called for any discussion.
Chairperson Arena called for a vote to approve the minutes.
The motion was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Public Comment
Chairperson Arena read the Public Comment Section. Brad Roos, Executive Director of Sustain
Rockford, spoke about a proposed referendum on zoning changes at the state level to enable
public control over the siting of large-scale solar, wind, and data centers. Mr. Roos is available
for any questions specific to the issue.
Mr. Ray Thompson arrived at 5:38 PM.
Resolution to Appoint Precinct Election Judges
Motion: Chairperson Arena. Second: Ms. Hanserd.
Page 2

Mr. Patrick Thompson shared information about the resolution.
Chairperson Arena called for any questions.
Chairperson Arena called for a vote to approve the resolution.
The motion to approve the resolution was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Resolution Awarding Purchase of Ferromagnetic Detection Systems for the Winnebago
County Sheriff’s Office Using CIP 2026 Funds
Cost: $35,630
Motion: Chairperson Arena. Second: Dr. Thompson.
Mr. Patrick Thompson shared information about the resolution.
• A discussion followed.
Chairperson Arena called for any other questions.
Chairperson Arena called for a vote to approve the resolution.
The motion to approve the resolution was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Resolution Awarding Purchase of One Jail Transport Vehicle for the Winnebago County
Sheriff’s Office Using CIP 2026 Funds
Cost: $82,685
Motion: Chairperson Arena. Second: Dr. Thompson.
Mr. Patrick Thompson shared information about the resolution.
• A discussion followed.
Chairperson Arena called for any other comments or questions.
Chairperson Arena called for a vote to approve the resolution.
The motion to approve the resolution was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Resolution Awarding Exterior Precast and Caulking Repairs to the Public Safety Building
Using Owner Direct Funds
Cost: $232,545
Motion: Chairperson Arena. Second: Ms. Hanserd.
Mr. Patrick Thompson shared information about the resolution and called for any questions.
• A discussion followed.
Chairperson Arena called for any other comments or questions.
Chairperson Arena called for a vote to approve the resolution.
The motion to approve the resolution was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Resolution Awarding Email Security Filtering Annual Licensing
Motion: Chairperson Arena. Second: Dr. Thompson.
Mr. Patrick Thompson shared information about the resolution and advised that Dan Magers was
present to answer any questions.
Chairperson Arena called for any questions.
Chairperson Arena called for a vote to approve the resolution.
The motion to approve the resolution was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Resolution Authorizing The County Of Winnebago, Illinois And Ringland-Johnson
Construction To Execute A Change Order To The PSB Project To Modernize The 5th PSB
Elevator Using Contingency And PSB Owner Direct Funding
Motion: Chairperson Arena. Second: Ms. Valdez.
Mr. Patrick Thompson shared information about the resolution and advised that Shawn Franks
and Hope Edwards were present to answer questions.
• A discussion followed.
Page 3

Motion: Ms. Valdez made a motion to amend the resolution in the fifth WHEREAS to read: with
a not to exceed cost of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00). Also, in the paragraph below
the fifth WHEREAS, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, with a not to exceed cost of two
hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00).
Second: Ms. Hanserd and Mr. Thompson.
Chairperson Arena called for any discussion or questions regarding the amendment to the
resolution.
Chairperson Arena called for a vote to approve the amendment to the resolution.
The motion to approve the amendment to the resolution was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Chairperson Arena called for any discussion concerning the resolution as amended.
Chairperson Arena called for a vote to approve the resolution as amended.
The motion to approve the resolution as amended was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Resolution Submitting to The Electors of The County of Winnebago, Illinois by Referendum
an Advisory Public Question Concerning Restoring Local Zoning Authority of Commercial
Solar Energy Facilities, Data Centers, and Agricultural Land Use
Motion: Chairperson Arena. Second: Dr. Thompson.
Chairperson Arena shared information about the resolution and called for comments.
• A discussion followed.
Chairperson Arena called for any other comments or questions.
• A discussion followed.
Chairperson Arena called for a vote to approve the resolution.
The motion to approve the resolution was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Resolution Submitting to The Electors of The County of Winnebago, Illinois by Referendum
an Advisory Public Question Concerning Property Tax Relief
Motion: Chairperson Arena. Second: Ms. Valdez and Dr. Thompson.
Chairperson Arena discussed the resolution and called for questions or comments.
Motion: Ms. Valdez moved that the resolution be laid over.
Second: Mr. Butitta and Ms. Hanserd.
Chairperson Arena called for a vote to approve the resolution being laid over.
The motion to lay over the resolution was passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Resolution Submitting to The Electors of The County of Winnebago, Illinois by Referendum
an Advisory Public Question Concerning Amending the Redistricting Process For State
Legislative Maps
Chairperson Arena explained that Item M. was removed from the agenda and laid over.
Other Matters
No other matters reported.
Future Agenda Items
No future agenda items reported.
Motion to Adjourn
Chairperson Arena called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion: Dr. Thompson. Second: Ms. Valdez.
A unanimous voice vote passed the motion to adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned.

Page 4

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Bleile
Executive Assistant

Page 5

County Board Meeting: July 23, 2026
RESOLUTION
OF THE
COUNTY BOARD OF THE COUNTY OF WINNEBAGO, ILLINOIS
2026 CR _______
SUBMITTED BY: OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
SPONSORED BY: PAUL ARENA

RESOLUTION SUBMITTING TO THE ELECTORS OF THE COUNTY OF
WINNEBAGO, ILLINOIS BY REFERENDUM AN ADVISORY PUBLIC QUESTION
CONCERNING VOTING QUALIFICATIONS
WHEREAS, Article 28 of the Illinois Election Code governs the initiation and
submission of public questions to the electors of the State and its political subdivisions; and
WHEREAS, advisory questions of public policy may be submitted pursuant to Section
28-5 of the Illinois Election Code; and
WHEREAS, the County of Winnebago, Illinois is a political subdivision of the State of
Illinois, and the Winnebago County Board is the governing body of Winnebago County, Illinois;
and
WHEREAS, the integrity of our elections, and specifically ensuring that only legal
voters vote in our elections, is a major concern for the residents of Winnebago County; and
WHEREAS, the Winnebago County Board finds that voters should have an opportunity
to express their opinion on whether the Illinois General Assembly should pass legislation that
would require all voters to show a valid form of government-issued photo identification to prove
United States citizenship before being allowed to vote; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to 10 ILCS 5/28-2(c), the County Board may place a referendum
question on a ballot to be submitted to the public so long as a resolution authorizing placing the
question on the ballot is adopted no fewer than seventy-nine (79) days before a regularly
scheduled election where the referendum question is to appear, which is by August 17, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Winnebago County Board desires to submit the following advisory
public question concerning voting qualifications, to the electors of the County of Winnebago,
Illinois at the next regularly scheduled General Election to be held on November 3, 2026.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the County Board of the County of
Winnebago, Illinois, as follows:
Section 1. Incorporation of Recitals. That the foregoing recitals shall be and are hereby
incorporated as findings of fact as if said recitals were fully set forth herein.
Section 2. Submission of Advisory Public Question. Pursuant to Article 28 of the
Illinois Election Code, the Winnebago County Board hereby directs that the following advisory
public question be placed on the ballot in the County of Winnebago to be voted on by all
qualified electors at the next regularly scheduled General Election to be held on November 3,
2026:
SHOULD THE ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASS LEGISLATION
THAT WOULD REQUIRE VOTERS TO SHOW A VALID FORM
OF GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PHOTO IDENTIFICATION TO PROVE
UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP BEFORE BEING ALLOWED TO VOTE?
YES

NO

Section 3. County-Wide Submission. The advisory public question is authorized and
shall be submitted to all qualified electors of the County of Winnebago, Illinois, and shall appear
on the ballot at the next regularly scheduled General Election to be held on November 3, 2026, in
substantially the form set forth in Section 2 of this Resolution, and in accordance with all
applicable provisions of Illinois law.
Section 4. Certification and Filing. The County Clerk of the County of Winnebago and
all other proper officers and employees of Winnebago County are authorized and directed to take
all steps necessary to certify and submit this advisory public question to the appropriate election
authority or authorities in accordance with the Illinois Election Code no later than August 27,
2026, including providing a certified copy of this Resolution and the form of the public question
to be placed on the ballot of the next regularly scheduled General Election to be held on
November 3, 2026.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, paragraph, clause, or provision of this Resolution
is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision that can be given effect
without the invalid provision.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect upon its
passage and approval as provided by law.

Respectfully submitted,
OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
AGREE

DISAGREE

__________________________________
Paul Arena, Chair

__________________________________
Paul Arena, Chair

_________________________________
Valerie Hanserd, Vice Chair

__________________________________
Valerie Hanserd, Vice Chair

_________________________________
John Butitta

__________________________________
John Butitta

_________________________________
Joe Hoffman

__________________________________
Joe Hoffman

__________________________________
Michael Thompson

__________________________________
Michael Thompson

__________________________________
Ray Thompson

__________________________________
Ray Thompson

__________________________________
Christina Valdez

__________________________________
Christina Valdez

The above and foregoing Resolution was adopted by the County Board of the County of
Winnebago, Illinois this _____ day of _________________, 2026.

ATTEST:
______________________________
Lori Gummow, Clerk of the
County Board of the
County of Winnebago, Illinois

________________________________
Joseph V. Chiarelli, Chairman of the
County Board of the County of
Winnebago, Illinois

7/17/26, 8:58 AM

Illinois - VoteRiders

Illinois
I am a...
Illinois does not require ID to vote. You must verify
your identity when you register to vote.

Most Illinois voters don't need ID to vote.
Voter Registration You must verify your identity to complete your registration.
Vote by Mail Most voters do not need to provide ID.
Voting in Person Most voters do not need to show ID.

1. Voter Registration

1

2. Same-Day Registration

3. Vote

Voter Registration
How do I check if I’m registered to vote in Illinois?
You can check your voter registration using this form. If you cannot find your information
or if something is incorrect, contact your local elections office.

https://voteriders.org/states/illinois/window.location.href/

1/4

7/17/26, 8:58 AM

Illinois - VoteRiders

Illinois Voter Eligibility Requirements
You must register before you can vote in Illinois.
You are eligible to vote in Illinois if you meet all of the following requirements:
You are a citizen of the United States.
You a resident of Illinois.
You are at least 18 years of age on Election Day.

Illinois Voter Registration ID Requirements
To register to vote:
You must provide your driver’s license number or state ID card number if you have one.
If you do not have either of these IDs, you can use the last 4 digits of your Social Security
number (SSN).
If you do not have a Social Security number, then leave that space blank on your registration
form.
If you don’t provide any of these numbers or the state can’t match the number you provide to
official records, you will have to show an accepted form of ID the first time you vote.
You can use one of the following:
Unexpired photo ID (driver’s license, state ID card, passport, etc.)
Current utility bill, bank statement, or government document

Frequently Asked Questions
https://voteriders.org/states/illinois/window.location.href/

2/4

7/17/26, 8:58 AM

Illinois - VoteRiders

Can I register and vote on the same day in Illinois?
Can I register to vote in Illinois if I have been convicted of a crime?
Can I register to vote in Illinois if I attend college in Illinois?

→ Step 2: Same-Day Registration

Protect the Freedom to Vote

Contact Us

Partner With Us

Email
Contact VoteRiders
[email protected]

Partner Toolkit
Learn about our free resources & assistance

Free Voter ID Helpline
Contact our Helpline
Call or Text 866-432-8683

Order Voter ID Info Cards
Free for nonpartisan nonprofit organizations

Subscribe
Your email

PRIVACY POLICY

TERMS OF USE

https://voteriders.org/states/illinois/window.location.href/

3/4

7/17/26, 8:58 AM

Illinois - VoteRiders

©2025. VOTERIDERS IS A 501(C)(3) NONPARTISAN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION REGISTERED IN THE US UNDER EIN 45-5081831.

https://voteriders.org/states/illinois/window.location.href/

4/4

County Board Meeting: August 13, 2026
RESOLUTION
OF THE
COUNTY BOARD OF THE COUNTY OF WINNEBAGO, ILLINOIS
2026 CR _______
SUBMITTED BY: OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
SPONSORED BY: PAUL ARENA

RESOLUTION SUBMITTING TO THE ELECTORS OF THE COUNTY OF
WINNEBAGO, ILLINOIS BY REFERENDUM AN ADVISORY PUBLIC QUESTION
CONCERNING PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
______________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, Article 28 of the Illinois Election Code governs the initiation and
submission of public questions to the electors of the State and its political subdivisions; and
WHEREAS, advisory questions of public policy may be submitted pursuant to Section
28-5 of the Illinois Election Code; and
WHEREAS, the County of Winnebago, Illinois is a political subdivision of the State of
Illinois, and the Winnebago County Board is the governing body of Winnebago County, Illinois;
and
WHEREAS, property taxes are a major concern for homeowners, families, seniors, small
businesses, and local taxpayers throughout Winnebago County and the State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, the Winnebago County Board finds that electors should have an
opportunity to express their opinion on whether the Illinois General Assembly should pass
legislation to cap and lower local property taxes and provide state funding to local governments
that agree to reduce property tax levies; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to 10 ILCS 5/28-2(c), the County Board may place a referendum
question on a ballot to be submitted to the public so long as a resolution authorizing placing the
question on the ballot is adopted no fewer than seventy-nine (79) days before a regularly
scheduled election where the referendum question is to appear, which is by August 17, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Winnebago County Board desires to submit the following advisory
public question concerning property tax relief, to the electors of the County of Winnebago,
Illinois at the next regularly scheduled General Election to be held on November 3, 2026.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the County Board of the County of
Winnebago, Illinois, as follows:
Section 1. Incorporation of Recitals. That the foregoing recitals shall be and are hereby
incorporated as findings of fact as if said recitals were fully set forth herein.
Section 2. Submission of Advisory Public Question. Pursuant to Article 28 of the
Illinois Election Code, the Winnebago County Board hereby directs that the following advisory
public question be placed on the ballot in the County of Winnebago to be voted on by all
qualified electors at the next regularly scheduled General Election to be held on November 3,
2026:
SHOULD THE ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASS
LEGISLATION TO CAP AND LOWER LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES
AND PROVIDE STATE FUNDING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
THAT AGREE TO REDUCE PROPERTY TAX LEVIES?
YES

NO

Section 3. County-Wide Submission. The advisory public question is authorized and
shall be submitted to all qualified electors of the County of Winnebago, Illinois, and shall appear
on the ballot at the next regularly scheduled General Election to be held on November 3, 2026, in
substantially the form set forth in Section 2 of this Resolution, and in accordance with all
applicable provisions of Illinois law.
Section 4. Certification and Filing. The County Clerk of the County of Winnebago and
all other proper officers and employees of Winnebago County are authorized and directed to take
all steps necessary to certify and submit this advisory public question to the appropriate election
authority or authorities in accordance with the Illinois Election Code no later than August 27,
2026, including providing a certified copy of this Resolution and the form of the public question
to be placed on the ballot of the next regularly scheduled General Election to be held on
November 3, 2026.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, paragraph, clause, or provision of this Resolution
is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision that can be given effect
without the invalid provision.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect upon its
passage and approval as provided by law.

Respectfully submitted,
OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
AGREE

DISAGREE

__________________________________
Paul Arena, Chair

__________________________________
Paul Arena, Chair

_________________________________
Valerie Hanserd, Vice Chair

__________________________________
Valerie Hanserd, Vice Chair

_________________________________
John Butitta

__________________________________
John Butitta

_________________________________
Joe Hoffman

__________________________________
Joe Hoffman

__________________________________
Michael Thompson

__________________________________
Michael Thompson

__________________________________
Ray Thompson

__________________________________
Ray Thompson

__________________________________
Christina Valdez

__________________________________
Christina Valdez

The above and foregoing Resolution was adopted by the County Board of the County of
Winnebago, Illinois this _____ day of _________________, 2026.

ATTEST:
______________________________
Lori Gummow, Clerk of the
County Board of the
County of Winnebago, Illinois

________________________________
Joseph V. Chiarelli, Chairman of the
County Board of the County of
Winnebago, Illinois