Meeting Summary and Briefs: Public Health & Safety Committee for February 5, 2026

Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026

Meeting Summary
The Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee met on Tuesday, February 5, 2026, to review departmental reports and discuss ongoing challenges in animal control. The most significant discussion centered on a debate between District 3 Board Member Daniel J. Butler and Animal Protection Services Director Anna Payton regarding the lack of stray animal intake services for municipalities such as Crete, Monee, and Steger. While Butler pushed for immediate intergovernmental agreements, Payton maintained that the current facility lacks the capacity to safely house more animals.

The committee also received positive reports regarding public health. Dr. Kathleen Burke announced zero opioid overdose deaths for January 2026, and the MAPP Collaborative showcased successful community kitchen projects funded by ARPA. Additionally, the committee approved the minutes from the January 7, 2026, meeting.

News Briefs

Sunny Hill Infection Rates Low:
Sunny Hill Nursing Home Administrator Maggie McDowell reported that despite high respiratory illness rates in the general community, the facility has seen very low infection numbers. Currently, there are only two cases of acute respiratory infection at the home. McDowell credited high vaccination rates and strict infection control protocols. Additionally, she noted that the facility recently celebrated Dr. Marie Lindsay, a former nurse practitioner, for her lifetime achievements and contributions to the nursing practice act.

Frankfort Wildlife Rabies Agreement:
During the discussion on animal control, officials noted that the Village of Frankfort has secured a limited Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Will County. Unlike full animal control services, this specific agreement is restricted to wildlife rabies control. This limited contract stands in contrast to the broader service gaps currently affecting neighboring communities like Monee and Crete.

Health Department Facility Updates:
Elizabeth Bilotta, Executive Director of the Health Department, confirmed that the elevator at the 501 Ella Avenue building is back in service after being out of commission since November 3. She thanked the County Facilities department for prioritizing accommodations for staff and clients during the outage. Bilotta also noted that January was Radon Awareness Month, and the department is selling home test kits for $8.00.

Next Meeting:
The next meeting of the Public Health & Safety Committee is scheduled for March 5, 2026.