Lake County Technology Committee Meeting - November 2, 2026

This meeting covered multiple technology-related resolutions, including software agreements, cybersecurity policies, and a major Microsoft licensing renewal. The committee also received detailed updates on the Digital Growth Initiative (broadband and digital equity) and the Workday enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. All agenda items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered for items not on the agenda.

Discussion Items

• Item 8.1 – Capital Program Management Software (Eco Interactive LLC): Kevin Carrier, Assistant County Engineer, presented a five-year contract renewal (year one: $160,000) for the Project Tracker software, which manages the county's five-year transportation improvement program. The software is also used by CMAP, IDOT, and McHenry County. Committee members praised the public transparency features. The motion carried.
• Item 8.2 – Construction Management Software (Exavision Inc.): Staff presented a five-year renewal (year one: $155,000) for construction management software that tracks pay items on projects. Discussion included the bid exemption process. Assistant County Administrator Lisa Fair explained that a bid exemption is used when a proper procurement method is identified, and that at the end of five years the department will reassess. The motion carried.
• Item 8.3 – System and Information Integrity Policy: CIO Chris Blanding and CTO Eric Carlson introduced policy #5 of 6, establishing baseline cybersecurity expectations for all county systems, including those managed by departments and vendors. Member Frank asked about vendor data protections and the need for notification if vendors de-identify and sell data. Eric Carlson responded that this policy focuses on patching and vulnerability management, while a future data governance policy would address such concerns. Member Altenberg praised the collaborative development process. The motion carried.
• Item 8.4 – Risk Assessment Policy: Eric Carlson presented policy #6, the “heart” of cybersecurity, requiring a consistent process to identify, prioritize, and document technology risks. The policy includes maintaining a countywide risk register. The motion carried.
• Item 8.5 – Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Renewal (CDWG): Chris Blanding and Applications Manager Mike Mislana presented a three-year renewal totaling $2,348,512.45 for Microsoft 365, Teams Voice, and server licensing. Using a Sourcewell cooperative contract saved approximately $200,000 compared to a simple renewal. An addendum signed by the vendor ensured standard Lake County terms. Member Frank asked about insurance per-occurrence limits, and staff clarified it is per claim. Member Wallace confirmed the agreement is county-wide. The motion carried.
• Item 8.6 – Workday Post-Production Managed Services (Accenture): Chris Blanding presented a three-year contract at $499,864 per year with Accenture for post-go-live support of the Workday ERP. The contract allows flexibility to shift resources and includes a termination-for-convenience clause. Blanding explained that Accenture was chosen for its deep Workday expertise and government client experience. Member Altenberg praised the prudent planning. The motion carried.
• Item 8.7 – Staff Wellness Platform (Sharp Performance): Chief Chris Covelli and Contract Manager Katie Latis from the Sheriff's Office presented a five-year, $416,250 contract for a wellness app providing one-on-one coaching and self-assessments for all employees and their spouses. The coaches are former first responders. Usage in Gurnee and Barrington has shown high buy-in; anonymity encourages participation. Member Frank asked about time allocation – the expectation is off-duty, but on-duty accommodations may be possible. The motion carried.
• Item 8.8 – In-Car Camera Contract Consolidation (Axon Enterprise): Katie Latis and Bernard Malkov presented a consolidated contract for 150 in-car cameras and 6 jail transport cameras, with a total five-year cost of $2,117,326.03. Consolidating three existing contracts into one improves efficiency and saves money. The motion carried.

Key Outcomes

• All eight resolutions (items 8.1–8.8) were approved unanimously by voice vote, with no opposition recorded.
• The committee received and accepted the final digital equity update of 2026, recognizing the Digital Growth Initiative's achievements: over 2,200 devices distributed, public Wi-Fi projects underway in Waukegan and North Chicago, and a digital navigator network established. Staff noted a budget of under $12 million with less than half spent, and praised the team for exceeding goals.
• The Workday ERP update confirmed a December 1, 2026 go-live date. Payroll parallel testing reached over 98% accuracy; gold tenant build begins the following week. Training communications are forthcoming.
• The committee entered executive session (personnel matter) and later adjourned.
• Members expressed gratitude for the committee's work and leadership.