Lake County Committee Meeting – January 27, 2026

The committee, chaired by Vice Chair Roberts (Chair Cunningham absent), met on January 27, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Members present: Altenburg, Dan Ford (remote), Peterson, and ex officio Hart. Absent: Kniesek, Kyle. The meeting considered five joint resolutions for emergency appropriations or approvals related to court accessibility, juvenile detention arts programming, public defender staffing for a new domestic violence courtroom, a gun violence prevention mural, and renewal of the appellate prosecution program. All items passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda; all members voted in favor.

Discussion Items

8.4 – Emergency Appropriation for 19th Judicial Circuit Court Disability Accessibility ($14,000)

Lisa Wolf, Director of Finance for the 19th Circuit Court, presented a grant to install an automatic door opener at the law library, continuing last year’s disability access initiatives (cart services, court reporter fees, and a mobility scooter). Chair Hart raised concerns about the future of the law library given potential facility changes, but Carl May (facilities) stated the earliest move would be five-plus years out, so the door opener would be used for years. Hart noted the library is a reference space that may be better utilized elsewhere. The grant fully funds the project. The resolution passed unanimously.

8.5 – Emergency Appropriation for Trauma-Informed Mural at Hall’s Detention Center ($12,000)

A grant to fund a mural by a local artist at the detention center’s café (used for visitation) and gym. Member Peterson asked about youth involvement; James Edwards (Juvenile Facilities Director) confirmed artist renderings will be reviewed and input from residents and the chief judge will be sought. Member Altenberg expressed support for art as a therapeutic outlet. The resolution passed unanimously.

8.6 – Emergency Appropriation for Two Principal Public Defenders for Consolidated Domestic Violence Courtroom ($135,000)

This item generated extensive discussion. The Public Defender (PD) explained that the courts decided in late November 2025 to consolidate domestic violence cases from multiple felony courtrooms into one, requiring two additional felony assistants (since 10% of each of 12 attorneys’ caseloads is domestic violence, totaling about two full-time positions). Chief Judge Shanes explained that the change stemmed from the need to separate orders of protection (growing steadily) and was made possible by a judicial retirement, which could not have been anticipated during the FY2026 budget process earlier. Chair Hart criticized the lack of advance notice and planning, stating departments must work within the fiscal year; she noted the PD’s request is necessary but questioned the process. Chief Judge Shanes emphasized the courts are a separate branch and that judicial retirements are unpredictable. The PD added that hiring will be staggered and that caseloads (estimated 133 cases) may require more positions later. Member Peterson asked about PD representation percentages; State’s Attorney Reinhardt noted domestic violence filings are relatively flat but orders of protection are rising. The resolution passed unanimously.

8.7 – Acceptance of Healing Illinois Grant for Gun Violence Prevention Mural ($12,000)

Joe from the State’s Attorney’s Office presented a $12,000 grant from YWCA for a mural at the FOSS Park Viaduct in North Chicago, to be completed by June 2026 (Gun Violence Awareness Month). Community members impacted by gun violence are welcome to contribute. The location was chosen by the North Chicago Police Department. The resolution passed unanimously.

8.8 – Renewal of State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecution Program ($55,000)

Joe explained this is an annual renewal already included in the FY2026 budget. The program handles criminal appeals, special prosecution, tax objections, and continuing legal education. A certified copy of the resolution is needed for the contract. The resolution passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All five joint resolutions (Items 8.4–8.8) were approved unanimously (all members present voting aye).
• The next committee meeting is scheduled for February 3, 2026.
• No county administrative report or executive session was needed.

Member Remarks

Member Altenberg noted that January 27, 2026, is Holocaust Remembrance Day, urging recognition of the Holocaust and condemning ongoing anti-Semitism and hate. The committee acknowledged the remarks.