DeKalb County, Illinois
	Minutes of the Forest Preserve Committee June 19, 2001

The DeKalb County Forest Preserve Committee met Tuesday, June 19, 2001 at the Wilkinson/ Renwick Marsh, at 6:00p.m. Chairman John Morreale called the meeting to order with Mr. Dlabal, Mr. Guehler, Mr. Haines, Mr. Lyle, Mr. McLaughlin, Mr. Metzger, Mr. Sands, and Mr. Simonson present. Mr. Hannan, Mr. Prain, Mr. Slingerland and Mr. Millburg were also present.

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

Mr. Hannan asked the Committee for approval to move agenda item #6 to agenda #3a. Moved by Mr. Haines, seconded by Mr. McLaughlin, and it was carried unanimously with a voice vote to approve the amended agenda.

Mr. Jack Slingerland, DeKalb County Assistant State’s Attorney, stated that he had made a few changes to the Letter of Agreement after his review. Mr. Slingerland stated that this is a shared access. Mr. Simonson stated that he would like to see more clarity on ownership in the form of an amended resolution. Mr. Slingerland stated that the proposed Letter of Agreement did not have any legal binding for the Genoa/ Kingston School Board. Mr. Slingerland stated that he had talked with Mr. Paul Miller, DeKalb County Planning Director, questioning the reason that a Letter of Agreement was required. According to Mr. Slingerland, Mr. Miller stated that it was a required part of the building application. Mr. Slingerland stated that the structure of the Letter of Agreement needed to be altered to reflect the wishes of the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District. Moved by Mr. Haines, seconded by Mr. Dlabal, a motion was passed with a unanimous voice vote to pass an amended resolution to the County Board. Mr. Slingerland stated that according to Mr. Miller the length of easement needs to be reflected. The proposed changes to the Letter of Agreement will be discussed at the County Board meeting. Moved by Mr. Simonson, seconded by Mr. Sands, a motion was passed by unanimous voice vote to clarify the ownership of property, including the road, and granting the easement to the Genoa/ Kingston School Board. The Committee agreed to passing the amended resolution to the County Board, then the easement in July.

Mr. Hannan gave an update to the Committee members on the status of the Old Calumet Council Boy Scout Camp property northwest of Kirkland. Mr. Hannan explained that originally the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District was interested in acquiring all 800+ acres of this parcel for a potential new forest preserve site. Mr. Hannan explained that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is interested in acquiring all of the land south of the river.(approx. 582 acres) Mr. Hannan stated that several letters of support for this land acquisition have come in, including a letter from Senator Burzynski and the Kirkland Mayor. Mr. Hannan stated that the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District is interested in approximately 300+ acres north of the river. Mr. Hannan explained that the Governor prefers local governing support and partnerships on any proposed project. Mr. Hannan explained that on the property potentially owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, hunting could be allowed for pheasants, turkey and deer. Mr. Hannan stated that the I.D.N.R. is currently looking for more open land space for recreational parks to supply the growing population in northern Illinois. Mr. Hannan stated that the City of Kirkland could benefit by increasing their revenues by more business in the city for gas, food, lodging and camping. Mr. Hannan stated that the second appraisal figures should be reported in the near future. Mr. Hannan also stated that the Wild Turkey Federation is also interested in helping this project along through a possible donation.

Mr. Dlabal moved, seconded by Mr. Simonson, to pass a resolution regarding the DeKalb County Board to support the acquisition of this property for future public use and preservation of natural resources.

Mr. Hannan explained that Guardian Pipeline was interested in an easement 50 feet wide to go under the Great Western Trail 1/4 mile east of Airport Rd./ Rt. 64 in Sycamore. Mr. Hannan reported that Guardian Pipeline offered the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District $2,050.25 for the grant of the easement. Mr. Hannan expressed that this easement would give Guardian Pipeline a lifelong benefit. Mr. Hannan suggested that the Forest Preserve Committee consider a similar benefit. Mr. Guehler stated that there seems to be no economic benefit to the Forest Preserve District. Mr. Hannan stated that this topic would be placed on the July agenda.

Mr. Hannan stated that the DeKalb County Forest Preserve District received a C2000 grant for the Somonauk Creek streambank stabilization project. Mr. Hannan explained that bid letters were sent out and he has recently met with interested contractors on site. Mr. Hannan stated that the project must be underway by August 1,2001.

Mr. Morreale stated that the Forest Preserve audit findings would be on the agenda for next month. Mr. Morreale stated if any Committee members had any questions they would be addressed at that time.

Mr. Hannan introduced Mr. Bill Prain, Park Manager, to the Forest Preserve Committee. Mr. Hannan gave a brief history on the land acquisition and prairie restoration of Wilkinson/ Renwick Marsh Forest Preserve. Mr. Hannan explained that this forest preserve has the most diversity of all the DeKalb County forest preserves. Wilkinson/ Renwick Marsh has wetland, woodland and prairie to offer. Mr. Hannan explained that this forest preserve is on the list of Illinois Nature Preserves. This status adds protection for uniqueness. Mr. Hannan stated that this forest preserve was purchased in 1990 for approximately $78,000. Grant assistance was awarded from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (50%) for purchase and development.

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

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Chairman, John Morreale

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