Meeting Summary and Briefs: Capital Improvements & IT Committee for January 6, 2026

Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026

Overall Meeting Summary
The Will County Board Capital Improvements and IT Committee met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to discuss facility updates and initiate the creation of a countywide Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. Facilities Director Bill Fern provided a comprehensive update on capital projects, confirming the completion of the Court Annex renovations and the near-completion of the new Veterans Assistance Commission facility. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to a robust debate regarding AI governance. Committee members established a framework for a new policy that prioritizes human oversight, protects county jobs from automation, and requires transparency and authorization for AI usage.

News Briefs

Flag Retirement Protocol Changed:
Facilities Director Bill Fern announced a change to the county’s flag retirement protocol. Previously, worn flags were sent to the Boy Scouts for retirement. The county discovered that veterans residing at Sunny Hill Nursing Home and the Health Department were deeply touched to receive the retired flags. The Facilities Department will now fold and present retired flags to local veterans whenever possible. Fern encouraged board members to email him if they know of a veteran who should be honored.

Master Plan Discussion Deferred:
A scheduled discussion regarding the Will County Capital Improvements 5-Year Plan and Master Plan Update was deferred due to time constraints. The committee was set to review population projections through 2050 and space needs for departments including Animal Protection Services and the Department of Transportation. Chair Mica Freeman stated the committee will “dive into” the Master Plan at the February meeting.

New Life Safety Specialist Introduced:
The Facilities Department introduced Aaron Kozlowski as the new Life Safety Specialist. Kozlowski, a retired Joliet Fire Department employee, has been with the county for two months. He is currently visiting all county departments to schedule fire drills, safety checks, and training sessions for CPR and AED usage.

Gas Leak Repaired at County Building:
Director Bill Fern reported that a gas leak was discovered at the loading dock of the Will County Office Building (302 N. Chicago St.). The leak was found due to the odor of gas. County pipefitters and the gas company responded, replacing the meter and installing a redundant bypass and shutoff to bring the system up to modern code.