DeKalb County, Illinois
	Minutes of the Forest Preserve Committee May 15, 2001

The DeKalb County Forest Preserve Committee met Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at the Natural Resource Center located in Russell Woods Forest Preserve, at 6:00p.m. Chairman John Morreale called the meeting to order with Mr. Dlabal, Mr. Lyle, Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Sands, and Mr. Simonson present. Mr. Hannan was also present. Mr. Guehler, Mr. Haines, and Mr. Metzger arrived during approval of the agenda.

Moved by Mr. Dlabal, seconded by Mr. Lyle, and it was carried unanimously with a voice vote to approve the minutes for April.

Mr. Morreale asked the Committee for approval to add an additional topic under general discussion as agenda 6C to discuss the letter of understanding for the Genoa/Kingston School Board. Mr. Hannan asked the Committee for approval to add an additional topic under general discussion as agenda 6D to discuss the DeKalb County Community Foundation Grant. Moved by Mr. Sands, seconded by Mr. McLaughlin, and it was carried unanimously to approve the agenda with the additions to the general discussion.

Mr. Hannan stated that he spoke with Mr. Paul Miller, DeKalb County Planning Director, regarding the letter of understanding. Mr. Hannan stated that Mr. Miller was in favor of the idea.

Mr. Morreale stated that Mr. Ron Matekaitis, States Attorney, would need to be involved in this process.

Mr. Morreale gave a brief overview of the May 14 special meeting to two members that were absent; Mr. Dlabal and Mr. Sands.

The Committee members discussed the length of the blacktop portion for the Preserve Road entrance. Mr. Lyle expressed concern for any tree removal to add any additional footage to the blacktop. Mr. Hannan replied that these trees and shrubs were planted in the 1970's and were not native and invasive to the woods at Russell. Mr. Hannan stated that there were plans over the next few years to plant native trees and shrubs in their place.

Mr. Morreale suggested to the Committee that they should consider planting more trees to enhance the distinction between the high school property and the forest preserve. Mr. Morreale stated that Mr. Miller is concerned with the bus turning radius.

Mr. Hannan stated that the Genoa/ Kingston School Board is trying to retain as much conservation buffer as possible and have been good neighbors.

Mr. Morreale suggested that the Committee form a letter of Agreement for the Genoa/Kingston School Baord concerning the road sharing. Mr. Morreale stated that he was in favor of sharing the first 168 feet of Preserve Road. Mr. Sands stated that he was in favor of 360 feet to prevent traffic backup and safety. Mr. Guehler stated that he would like to see a new sign, blacktop to the road portion used by the school, and a locking gate added to the agreement. Mr. Metzger stated that he would like to see a wooden arch over the entrance to Russell Woods. Mr. Hannan stated that he was also concerned about traffic backing up.

Mr. McLaughlin moved to forward an agreement to share up to 168 feet of Preserve Road, seconded by Mr. Metzger, and it was passed with a 6-2 vote. Mr. Sands and Mr. Guehler were not in favor.

Mr. Morreale recapped the rest of the points made by the Committee for the letter of agreement. Mr. Morreale stated that the Committee agrees that the Preserve Road entrance may be widened and blacktopped, and that the Genoa/Kingston School Board will assume all liabilities and costs involved for that blacktopped portion of the entrance. Mr. Morreale also stated that post barriers will be installed (along the west road boundry up to the proposed gate) and a locking gate that meets Forest Preserve approval. Mr. Morreale stated that an archway wooden sign would also be requested of the School Board. Mr. Sands suggested that the woodshop classes at the high school have a contest to design and make the sign for the Forest Preserve entrance. (with Forest Preserve approval)

Mr. Morreale suggested that the Committee consider contacting the Genoa Police Department for possible patrolling once the school has been built. Mr. Sands stated that since Russell Woods is a DeKalb County property, a contract would have to be signed with the Genoa Police at a cost to the Forest Preserve budget. Mr. Sands suggested that the Forest Preserve Committee could incorporate language within the agreement to expect assistance from the School Board to enforce any potential wandering high school students during the school hours out to the Forest Preserve. Mr. Hannan stated that the DeKalb County Sheriff does patrol the area as available.

Mr. Sands moved to send the drawn letter of agreement to the State’s Attorney’s Office for approval, seconded by Mr. Dlabal. The motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Mr. Hannan stated that a new set of comparable land sales for the appraisal of the property in Franklin Township will soon be available. Mr. Morreale stated that he felt the Forest Preserve Committee should rally for support from local senators and other politicians. Mr. Hannan stated that he agreed and was waiting for these comparable figures from the option holder.

MONTHLY REPORTS

Mr. Hannan stated that the monthly reports would be attached to the minutes as usual.

Mr. Hannan explained that this House Bill supports promoting open space funding in Illinois. Mr. Hannan suggested that the Forest Preserve Committee send a letter of support for this Senate Bill. Moved by Mr. Simonson, seconded by Mr. Haines, the motion passed to forward a letter of support by a unanimous voice vote. (see attached)

Mr. Hannan stated that the DeKalb County Community Foundation awarded a $4,000 grant to the Forest Preserve District for the moving of Pierce Town Hall to Merritt Prairie. Mr. Hannan stated that he requested an additional $2,500 for other improvements to this project, and the Foundation recently awarded it. Mr. Hannan also stated that he has been working with local businesses and contractors for donations for needed supplies and services to help complete the project. Mr. Hannan stated that Sherwin Williams agreed to sell the Forest Preserve District paint at 50% of cost, and Larson Concrete sold the District concrete at 50% the price. Agrairian Way will sandblast the building at no cost and other donors have interest in the project.

The Forest Preserve Committee listened to a tape of a national public radio broadcast that was taped at the Wilkinson-Renwick Marsh and hosted by Mr. Pete Olson and WNIJ’s Sharon Stevens. Mr. Olson gave an overview of the wildlife that can be experienced at various times throughout the year at the site. Mr. Olson said (referring to Wilkinson Marsh) that "he had been to more beautiful places but none that were 5 minutes from home." Note: While taping the show at the Marsh, Sandhill Cranes flew overhead.

Mr. Dlabal moved, Mr. Metzger seconded, to adjourn the meeting and the motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.

______________________________
Chairman, John Morreale

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