DeKalb County, Illinois
	Minutes of the Forest Preserve Committee SPECIAL MEETING OF May 14, 2001

The DeKalb County Forest Preserve Committee met Tuesday, May 15, 2001 at the DeKalb County Administration Building, Conference Room East, at 6:00p.m. Chairman John Morreale called the meeting to order with Mr. Guehler, Mr. Haines, Mr. Lyle, Mr. Metzger , Mr. McLaughlin, and Mr. Simonson present. Mr. Terry Hannan, Mr. Gerald Stoffregen, Mr. Don Billington and Mr. Jim Slater were also present. Mr. Dlabal and Mr. Sands were absent.

Mr. Morreale stated that the Genoa/ Kingston School Board must bring before the County Board the completed plans for the construction of the new high school and surrounding fields, after the plan had been approved by Mr. Paul Miller, DeKalb County Planning Director, and the Planning and Regulation Committee. Mr. Morreale stated that the School Board must first address I.D.O.T., utility issues with the city, and the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District for road access.

Mr. Billington stated that the Genoa/ Kingston School Board is looking to work together with the Forest Preserve District to enhance one another. Mr. Billington stated that any of the Forest Preserve Committee members could contact him at any time to answer questions as needed. Mr. Billington also stated that the Committee members could also contact Mr. Stoffregen or Mr. Slater as well. Mr. Billington explained that he is currently working with I.D.O.T. to figure out how many road access points will be allowed to the new high school. Mr. Billington stated that there must be at least two entrance/exits to the property. Mr. Billington reiterated that the Forest Preserve road would be used for access only. Mr. Billington presented a drawn plan to the Forest Preserve Committee for reference. Mr. Billington explained that according to these plans, drawn by their architect, the school board would like to blacktop the first 168 feet of Preserve Road, and widen that portion of the road by 5 feet on each side to accommodate the size of the school busses. Mr. Billington stated that safety is of upmost importance to the School Board.

Mr. Haines asked Mr. Billington if there was a plan for a stoplight at either entrance.

Mr. Billington answered that this decision was going to be made by I.D.O.T. Mr. Billington stated that his preference would be to place a stoplight at the Rt. 72 entrance ,not at Preserve Road, to the east of Russell Forest Preserve.

Mr. Morreale stated that according to Mr. Miller there would have to be two separate entrances for the new school due to safety concerns.

Mr. Slater stated that it was unclear at this time if there would be any access to the new housing development planned to the east of the school. Mr. Slater explained that once the subdivision was developed, the School Board would decide on accessibility. Mr. Slater also stated that the sewer and water lines were planned to run in the middle of the school property from the east.

Mr. Billington interjected that according to the drawn plans the football fields had been moved to the far east of the property, as away from the forest preserve as possible. Mr. Billington was demonstrating the willingness to work out an agreement, and stated that he knew the lighting was of concern to the Forest Preserve Committee.

Mr. Morreale stated that the Forest Preserve Committee is requesting a gate to be installed to the actual entrance to Russell Woods. Mr. Morreale stated that he would like to see the School Board pay for the gate, and the Forest Preserve District would maintain it. Mr. Morreale explained that this gate would be locked at night to prevent late night activities within the forest preserve.

Mr. Billington stated that the School Board had the power to agree to this, as he does not. Mr. Billington stated that he saw no reason why the School Board would deny this request.

Mr. Hannan stated that he was in agreeance with the gate being utilized at the entrance. Mr. Hannan stated that at other gated forest preserves, the Forest Preserve District has instated a sunset closing policy. Mr. Hannan stated that this had worked out well.

Mr. McLaughlin expressed his concern for the safety of buses turning around.

Mr. Metzger asked who would own the blacktopped portion of the road, who would maintain this road, and who would be held liable for this portion of the road.

Mr. Billington stated that the Genoa/ Kingston School District would assume liability and maintain the blacktopped portion of the road. Mr. Billington explained that the ownership would still be held by the Forest Preserve District.

Mr. Morreale stated that according to Mr. Miller, the road entrance would have to be widened. Mr. Morreale stated that he would also like to see a quality wooden sign deciphering the high school property from the forest preserve.

Mr. Billington stated that he thought the school board would have no argument about the gate and sign request.

Mr. Metzger stated that a cement curb might be a solution.

Mr. Slater stated that cement curbing is hard to maintain, causes snow plowing hazards, and can cause a higher rate of accidents. Mr. Slater stated that marking the blacktop with yellow direction lines might be a solution.

Mr. Hannan suggested that posts be placed to either side of the proposed gate to prevent cars driving around it on the grass. Mr. Hannan asked Mr. Billington when he anticipated ground breaking.

Mr. Billington explained that footings are planned to begin in September.

Mr. Slater stated that the School Board plans to utilize all of 2002 to prepare the fields and grass first so these will be ready when the school opens. Mr. Slater stated that the blacktop is planned to all be done at one time, once all of the heavy construction trucks were removed.

Mr. Morreale asked if any Committee members any questions at this time. Mr. Morreale restated that the Forest Preserve Committee was interested in a gate, sign, and liabilty going to the School Board.

Mr. Simonson stated that he put complete trust in Mr. Miller for any safety concerns.

Mr. Morreale suggested the Forest Preserve Committee draft a letter of understanding for the School Board to help facilitate plans with I.D.O.T.

Mr. Hannan stated that the Forest Preserve Committee could vote on this at the next meeting, May 15, and then it could be forwarded to the County Board in June.

Mr. Morreale stated that this was the correct route to take.

Mr. Slater stated that once the School Board was prepared, they planned to meet one time on all issues with the Planning and Regulations Committee in July.

Mr. Morreale asked Mr. Billington if he would be available for the May 15^th Forest Preserve Committee meeting at Russell Woods.

Mr. Billington stated that he was available, and to call him if he was needed.

Mr. Lyle asked if the rest of the roadway on the school property was going to be curb and gutter.

Mr. Slater stated that the plans indicated that curbs and gutters were on the plans.

Mr. Billington stated that before the School Board goes before the Planning and Regulation Committee, the School Board had to get all of the other plans in place. Mr. Billington stated that he was working with the city of Genoa for utilities, I.D.O.T. for access, and the developers.

Mr. Simonson moved, seconded by Mr. Haines, to adjourn the meeting and the motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.

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Chairman, John Morreale

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