Ogle County State’s Attorney Court Services Focus House Committee met Aug. 11.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call Meeting to Order: Chairman Finfrock called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Present via audio: Corbitt, Oltmanns and Whalen. Others via audio: Director of Court Services Cindy Bergstrom and Joe Shaw and Katie Whitmore with Focus House. Absent: Fox and State’s Attorney Eric Morrow.
2. Approval of Minutes – July 14, 2020: Motion by Whalen to approve the minutes as presented, 2nd by Corbitt. Motion carried.
3. Public Comment: None
4. Monthly Invoices
State’s Attorney: Motion by Whalen to approve the bills totaling $1,823.11, 2nd by Corbitt. Motion carried.
Probation: Motion by Corbitt to approve the bills totaling $2,620.00, 2nd by Oltmanns. Bergstrom stated they currently do not have anyone in detention but if it were to arise, they would be housed in Will County due to a COVID outbreak at the Kane County facility. Motion carried.
Focus House: Motion by Whalen to approve the bills totaling $8,314.15, 2nd by Corbitt. Motion carried.
5. Department Reports
State’s Attorney:
Budget Update: None
Department Update: Finfrock stated that the office is down 3 Assistant State’s Attorneys and he will use a few contract attorneys.
Probation
Budget Update: Everything looks good. State funding looks great; a few partially funded positions are now fully funded for this year and moving forward.
Department Update: Bergstrom stated they are fully staffed; however, they are not doing face-to-face meetings in the personal offices. They did have to open the Rochelle office for a few appointments that do not have transportation to Oregon. She is currently discussing plans for the staff in the case that schools get closed. They have 8 staff members with school age children in 8 different schools.
Focus House
Budget Update: Everything is good; no surprises.
Department Update: Shaw stated the occupancy is 5 at the Farm House (3 Ogle/2 Outside) and 4 at Miller House (2 Ogle/2 Outside). They have updated their COVID policies.
Other: Whitmore briefed the Committee on the possibility of obtaining a facility dog; Focus House Foundation will financially support the dog. Finfrock asked if she has spoken with Treasurer Beck regarding liability insurance. Whitmore stated she has and they have discussed that the Foundation is willing to privately purchase insurance if the County’s insurance will not cover such an animal. Finfrock asked if they have a dog in mind. Whitmore stated it is a 2-year-old black Labrador named Chuck. Corbitt thought it was a great idea and fully supports it. Finfrock asked if the dog has special training; yes, 2 years. Consensus of Committee to support the facility dog.
6. Closes Session: None
7. New Business: None
8. Old Business: None
9. Adjournment: With no further business, Chairman Finfrock adjourned. Time 3:24 p.m.
https://www.oglecounty.org/document_center/County%20Board/Committees/State's%20Attorney,%20Juvenile%20&%20Probation/2020/States%20Attorney%20and%20Juvenile%20and%20Probation%20Minutes%20August.pdf
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